Valdes Architecture & Engineering

Architect

• Responsible for the planning and design of a variety of building projects for government, higher education and industrial clients.
• Project types include new buildings or renovation of existing buildings/spaces including municipal buildings (public works, vehicle maintenance, fire stations, police stations/shooting ranges) laboratories, offices and research & production spaces.
• Responsibilities for this position include project coordination, preparation of program statements, planning documents, contract documents and specifications.
• Provides technical leadership in the architectural discipline and assists colleagues in solving complex design problems through state-of-the-art technology such as Building Information Modeling (Revit) and other visualization tools such as Sketch-Up, Rhino 3D, 3DS Max.

Project Architect

Director

• Drive business development by identifying and pursuing opportunities with commercial airports, the FAA, and related agencies, utilizing personal networks to secure projects and partnerships
• Lead strategic planning for aviation services, including market analysis, service expansion, and integration with Valdes' existing civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering offerings
• Oversee the full lifecycle of aviation projects, from planning and design to construction management, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, environmental standards, and client requirements
• Build and mentor a multidisciplinary aviation team, fostering collaboration across departments to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for airside (runways, taxiways, aprons) and landside (terminals, parking, roadways) developments.
• Cultivate long-term client relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for airport authorities and stakeholders to address challenges like sustainability, capacity expansion, and infrastructure resilience
• Collaborate with internal leaders to align aviation initiatives with company goals, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance metrics
• Stay abreast of industry trends, such as sustainable aviation practices, advanced technologies (e.g., GIS, BIM), and regulatory changes, to position Valdes as a forward-thinking partner
• Contribute to thought leadership through presentations, publications, and industry associations to enhance Valdes' visibility in the aviation sector

Director of Aviation

• Drive business development by identifying, pursuing, and securing opportunities with METRA, CTA, PACE, railroads (e.g., Class I freight operators), and related agencies, leveraging personal networks to expand Valdes' presence in the rail/transit sector
• Lead strategic planning for rail/transit services, including market analysis, service integration with Valdes' existing civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering offerings, and alignment with overall transportation group goals
• Oversee the full lifecycle of rail/transit projects, from planning and design to construction management, ensuring compliance with FRA, FTA, AREMA, and local regulations
• Manage multidisciplinary teams in delivering solutions for track design, signaling systems, stations, maintenance facilities, rolling stock integration, and transit-oriented developments
• Serve as a technical expert and hands-on contributor ("doer") in project execution, including design reviews, feasibility studies, and problem-solving for complex infrastructure challenges
• Build and mentor a rail/transit team, promoting collaboration across departments to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for capacity expansion, electrification, and resilience
• Cultivate long-term client relationships, acting as the primary liaison with stakeholders to address needs in safety, operations, and funding (e.g., federal grants like FTA Capital Investment Grants)
• Collaborate with internal leaders on budgeting, resource allocation, performance metrics, and business planning to drive revenue growth
• Stay current on industry trends, such as high-speed rail advancements, positive train control, and sustainable transit practices, to position Valdes as a thought leader
• Contribute to proposals, negotiations, and public engagements, including regulatory interactions and industry presentations

Director of Rail/Transit

Electrical Engineer

• Knowledge within the Electrical Engineering discipline with capabilities and the initiative to perform the following with little supervisory assistance
• Design and layout of Low & Medium power distribution system
• Knowledge of substation design, short circuit analysis, ARC flash studies
• Experience with lighting design and grounding and lightning protection
• Design of electrical heat trace, wiring diagrams and schematics
• Application of medium to low voltage transformers
• Application of uninterruptable power systems
• Conduit, cable tray and underground duct bank design
• Utility interface design
• Electrical calculations including short circuit, load flow, arc flash, motor starting, harmonic, device coordination and voltage drop
• P&ID development
• Instrument selection and specifications, control valve and primary element sizing
• Instrument loop diagrams, location plans and installation details.
• Interconnection and wiring diagrams
• System architecture development
• Control system hardware specifications
• Development of sequence of operation and functional description documents
• Development of cause and effect diagrams

Engineer

• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of IDOT and local agency roadway projects, including alignments, cross sections, geometrics, drainage, pavement design, and traffic signal modernization
• Prepare and review Phase I and II engineering deliverables, including design reports, plan sets, cost estimates, and specifications in compliance with IDOT, FHWA, AASHTO, and MUTCD standards
• Develop traffic control and staging plans, MOT, and complete streets elements, incorporating ADA and context-sensitive design
• Coordinate with internal teams (survey, structures, construction, MEP, GIS) and external subconsultants to deliver fully integrated solutions
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in internal QA/QC and project reviews
• Assist in developing and submitting documentation to expand IDOT and INDOT prequalifications, including resumes, project data, and technical narratives
• Serve as a client-facing representative, attending meetings and maintaining strong communication with IDOT, Tollway, and municipal stakeholders
• Use software tools including Civil 3D, OpenRoads Designer, Geopak, AutoTURN, HCS/Synchro, and support integration of emerging technologies (e.g., drone surveys, GIS)
• Support strategic business development efforts and assist in teaming, pursuit decisions, and proposal development
• Participate in professional organizations (ASCE, ITE, ACEC, etc.) and represent Valdes at industry events and conferences

Senior Highway Engineer

• Assist in the design and analysis of overhead and underground electric distribution systems (typically 4kV to 35kV).
• Support the preparation of engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations for utility clients.
• Perform site visits to collect field data and verify existing conditions.
• Use engineering software and tools (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, PLS-CADD, CYME, SPIDAcalc) to develop design models and layouts.
• Assist with load flow studies, fault analysis, and equipment sizing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including civil, structural, and permitting personnel to ensure comprehensive project solutions.
• Support the preparation of construction packages, cost estimates, and bill of materials.
• Become familiar with, apply, and stay current on utility standards, codes (e.g., NESC, NEC), and regulatory requirements.

Power Delivery/Distribution Engineer

Designer

• Knowledge within the Piping and Plant layout discipline with capabilities and the initiative to perform the following tasks with some supervisory/mentor assistance
• Provide accurate detail piping design per project requirement in accordance with scope, budget, and schedule as assigned by project lead
• Provide on-site field assistance as required per project assignment
• Participate in 3D model design review
• Provide design computations, piping estimates, isometrics, plans, sketches and bill of material
• Provide information for inter-discipline coordination
• Review design drawings for quality and accuracy
• Participate in project meetings
• Provide written or verbal design progress reports as required by project lead
• Make recommendations to improve work flow process
• Develop and /or improve department standards, including templates and design guides
• Develop and maintain project drawing list
• All other duties as assigned

Piping Designer

• Interface with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers within the Valdes organization
• Entry level knowledge within the Chemical Engineering discipline with the capabilities and the initiative to perform the work tasks with supervisory/mentor assistance
• Become familiar with basic PFD and P&ID symbiology, layout, and standards
• Learn to read and understand basic P&ID’s along with the different stages of development
• Learn to check basic P&ID’s modifications against CAD drafting standards and client standards
• Learn to develop demolition P&ID's based on project P&ID's and assist in P&ID walk-down efforts or field verification
• Learn general process department workflow and hierarchy of process documents in process designs
• Learn to develop/use heat and material balances, maintain a drawing list, develop an equipment list, develop a simple Line list with process data and recognize specialty items, and develop a specialty items list
• Become familiar with and learn to read piping isometric drawings and a plot plan
• Learn the basics of performing hydraulic calculations for compressible and incompressible fluids
• Learn the basics of pressure relief devices, types, sizing calculations, scenario development, and specifications
• Learn how to develop a process simulation and become familiar with thermodynamic property estimation packages
• Learn how to develop simple equipment data sheets
• Become familiar with industry codes and standards
• Interact with vendors regarding process equipment
• Learn how to develop physical property data for the selection of instrumentation including understanding typical instrumentation types and their principles of operation
• Learn to perform and document simple process calculations so they can be easily checked
• Become familiar with project budgets, schedules, typical project deliverables, and work scopes
• Learn to recognize out of scope work on projects, develop engineering judgment, and keep management properly informed on project issues
• Learn the requirements of collecting and maintaining process effort supporting documentation for calculations and project decisions made by the process engineer
• All other duties as assigned
• Must be able and willing to visit job sites as needed

Process Engineer

Civil Engineer

• Assist in the preparation of civil engineering designs, reports, drawings, and specifications
• Support senior engineers in the development of site layout, grading, drainage, utility systems, and roadway designs
• Learn design codes and follow established design criteria
• Participate in site visits, field investigations, and construction observations as needed
• Perform calculations for stormwater management, hydrology, and basic structural elements
• Assist with permitting processes, zoning research, and regulatory compliance documentation
• Utilize CAD and modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, or similar) to produce plans and technical documents
• Coordinate with internal teams (e.g., architecture, structural, and MEP engineers) to ensure project objectives are met
• Attend project meetings and contribute to project coordination and scheduling

• Entry level knowledge within the Chemical Engineering discipline with capabilities and initiative to perform tasks with supervisory/mentor assistance
• Become familiar with basic PFD and P&ID symbology, layout, and standards
• Read and understand basic P&IDs and different stages of development
• Check basic P&ID modifications against CAD drafting standards and client standards
• Develop demolition P&IDs based on project P&IDs and assist in P&ID walk-down efforts or field verification
• Develop and use heat and material balances, maintain drawing lists, develop equipment lists and simple line lists, and recognize specialty items
• Read piping isometric drawings and plot plans
• Perform basic hydraulic calculations for compressible and incompressible fluids
• Understand basics of pressure relief devices, sizing, scenario development, and specifications
• Develop process simulations and use thermodynamic property estimation packages
• Develop simple equipment data sheets and physical property data for instrumentation selection
• Become familiar with industry codes and standards and interact with vendors
• Perform and document simple process calculations to be easily checked
• Become familiar with project budgets, schedules, typical deliverables, and work scopes
• Recognize out of scope work, develop engineering judgment, and keep management informed
• Collect and maintain process documentation supporting calculations and project decisions
• All other duties as assigned

• Principal Engineer is responsible for managing projects budgets and scheduling of department hours
• Strong technical skills and an ability to mentor and assist staff in all aspects of electrical design, including I&C specifications and selection
• Supervise and monitor staff ensuring that engineering packages are completed on time and within budget
• Ability to analyze, design and produce engineering packages for clients and prepare instrumentation specifications for purchase
• Ability to establish and maintain good business relationships with key client contacts throughout the project
• Extensive knowledge of design codes and the knowledge to establish design criteria and ensure staff is following proper protocol
• On-site interface with client engineering representative and other discipline engineers
• Review, check and analyze design drawings prior to client submittals
• Responsible for ensuring that documents produced by the team members follow both internal and client quality standards.
• Medium & High power distribution system design and layout
• Substation design, short circuit analysis, ARC flash studies
• Lighting design and grounding and lightning protection
• Electrical heat trace design
• Development of wiring diagrams and schematics
• Application of medium to low voltage transformers
• Application of uninterruptible power systems
• Conduit, cable tray and underground duct bank design
• Utility interface design
• Electrical calculations including short circuit, load flow, arc flash, motor starting, harmonic, device coordination and voltage drop

Principal Electrical Engineer

• Solid Knowledge within the Electrical Engineering discipline with the capability and the initiative to perform the following tasks while supervising and mentoring junior staff members Assist staff with ensuring that engineering packages are completed on time and within budget
• Ability to prepare design packages consisting of control panel drawings, schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials
• Maintain positive business relationships with key client’s contacts throughout the project lifecycle
• Coordinate engineering details/drafting with multiple department designers to develop project drawings
• On-site interface with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers
• Design of protective relaying schemes for high voltage substations.
• AC and DC load calculations
• Knowledge of microprocessor relays
• Development of wiring diagrams and schematics drawings
• Cable routing design
• Utility interface design

• Schematic diagram design
• Relay selection, control panel drawings, and specifications
• Bills of materials
• Panel front view and wiring diagrams
• SCADA overview development
• Control building and panel hardware specifications
• Development of sequence of operation and functional description documents

• Ability to communicate complicated issues in a simple manner
• Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledgeable in SKM electrical modeling software

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
• 3+ years of experience working in substation design
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

Protection & Controls Engineer

• Electrical Design with the capabilities and the initiative to perform the following tasks with supervisory/mentor assistance as required
• Design computations; prepare estimates, bill of materials, construction drawings, and other engineering documents
• Participate in client meetings to determine job requirements, discuss progress of job related problems, and find solutions to those problems
• Assist the discipline engineer or senior or principal designer in the development of the design portion of the work
• Review design drawings to ensure correct engineering and client approval
• Must have the ability to ensure project is within scope, budget, and schedule

Substation Designer

• Solid Knowledge within the Electrical Engineering discipline with the capability and the initiative to perform the following tasks while supervising and mentoring junior staff members Assist staff with ensuring that engineering packages are completed on time and within budget
• Ability to prepare design packages consisting of one-line diagram, site plan, electrical plans & sections, conduit plans/details, grounding plan/details, and bills of materials
• Maintain positive business relationships with key clients contacts throughout the project lifecycle
• Coordinate engineering details/drafting with multiple department designers to develop project drawings
• On-site interface with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers
• Coordinate physical design for high voltage substations
• AC and DC load calculations
• Familiarity with protection and controls design.
• Cable routing design
• Utility interface design
• Physical design
• Equipment selection and specifications
• Bills of materials
• Site plan, plans/sections, conduit, and grounding
• Coordinate with other design disciplines
• Control building and panel hardware specifications
• Development of sequence of construction identifying pre-outage work
• Ability to communicate complicated issues in a simple manner
• Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledgeable in SKM electrical modeling software

Project Architect

Director of Aviation

Director of Rail/Transit

Electrical Engineer

Senior Highway Engineer

Power Delivery/Distribution Engineer

Piping Designer

Process Engineer

Civil Engineer

Process Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer

Protection & Controls Engineer

Substation Designer

Substation Engineer