Innovation Specialist

Description:

Wood, Patel & Associates, Inc. (WOODPATEL), Arizona’s #1 ranked civil engineering firm for 23 consecutive years and recognized as one of the Best Places to Work, is seeking an Innovation Specialist to join our growing team.

This role will help drive innovation across the firm by identifying opportunities to improve workflows, implementing emerging technologies, and supporting initiatives that enhance efficiency, collaboration, and project delivery. The Innovation Specialist will work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to evaluate ideas, pilot new tools, and implement solutions that support the firm’s long-term strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and efficiency across engineering, survey, and support teams.
• Support the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies relevant to civil engineering, including automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools.
• Collaborate with internal teams to pilot new software, tools, and operational improvements.
• Coordinate innovation initiatives and track progress on strategic improvement projects.
• Work with department leaders to gather feedback and identify operational challenges.
• Assist with research and evaluation of industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Support internal innovation programs and idea-sharing initiatives.
• Help develop documentation, training materials, and rollout plans for new tools or processes.
• Track and report on innovative initiatives and performance improvements

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, technology, business, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in civil engineering, consulting, technology implementation, or process improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate with technical and non-technical teams.
• Experience with engineering software platforms (AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley, GIS, or similar) preferred.
• Strong experience with AutoLISP and .NET programming languages preferred
• Interest in emerging technologies and innovation in the AEC industry.
• Strong communication, organization, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and drive projects forward.

Benefits

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience
• Generous PTO plan
• Health, dental, vision
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Long-term disability/short-term disability/life insurance
• In-house training events
• Employee appreciation and team building events

WOODPATEL is committed to our community and as such we match employee contributions to St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, the world’s first food bank, founded in Phoenix, Arizona.

WOODPATEL is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level with a company that is committed to innovative growth and improving lives in the communities where we live and work? At WOODPATEL, our people are our most important resource. We believe in empowering every member of our team to reach their highest potential. Our staff of accomplished professionals rewards creative problem solving, promotes ongoing professional growth and development, and provides opportunities for our employees to elevate their careers within our organization. We pride ourselves on our close-knit office community we have developed over 40 years in business as we continue to create a dynamic, exciting, and rewarding work environment.