Meet Jayant Gupta: civil engineering designer at Mott MacDonald

Our collaborative culture helps us to combine technical excellence and strategic advice, adding value for clients at every stage, from ideation and delivery to operations and maintenance. We caught up with civil engineering designer Jayant Gupta to talk about his role within our business and the importance of communication and collaboration.

What do you do at Mott MacDonald and what are you currently working on?

I’m a civil engineer based out of our Portland, Oregon, office. Most of my projects are in roadway design, where I use CAD software to lay out existing conditions and then come up with the design for the proposed road alignment. It’s interesting to navigate through all the nuances that need to be considered when designing roads.

Most of the time, I’m working on designs for a wide variety of projects and supporting them from project kick-off to close-out. Although lately I’ve had the opportunity to work more on the project management side of some of them. I really enjoy this because it involves a great deal of communication with different people from across the world. For example, I’m currently supporting a major transit project in Seattle, which requires collaboration with a team in the UK one day and Australia the next.

What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

A typical day revolves around project coordination and communication to keep my projects running smoothly. I regularly connect with team members from different areas of expertise to ensure we're aligned and that the deliverables meet everyone's expectations. It’s a mix of checking in on progress, clarifying design inputs, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

To bring my best, I’m always open to learning new things and never hesitate to take on tasks that are new to me. I welcome constructive feedback and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve in my work.

What does it mean to you to be trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald?

For me, being trusted to do brilliant things means having the autonomy to take ownership of meaningful work with the confidence that my skills, insights, and judgment are genuinely valued. It speaks to a culture here at Mott MacDonald that encourages innovation, challenges conventional thinking, and drives impactful solutions whether for clients, communities, or the environment.

That trust is incredibly motivating. It not only reflects belief in my capabilities but also instills a sense of responsibility. It drives me to maintain high standards, continuously grow, and collaborate effectively to deliver the best outcomes.

Collaboration plays such a big role in today’s workplace. How do you collaborate with colleagues to achieve common goals?

Communication is the key. Since no two humans think alike, I want to be sure that if something is assigned to our team, we discuss it together so that everyone is on the same page and we can develop the appropriate action items. I always communicate and check in with my team to see if they’re doing okay and figure out how we can help each other.

How does Mott MacDonald create an environment where you feel supported?

From day one, I’ve felt that my contributions are genuinely appreciated, regardless of my experience level. There’s a strong commitment to open communication – evident in team discussions, mentorship programs, and the accessibility of senior leadership. The company also invests in personal and professional growth by providing us with a variety of training and encouraging us to take part in conferences and workshops that further build knowledge and strengthen connections.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career at Mott MacDonald? 

Stay open to unexpected opportunities, even if they don’t align with your original plans. While pursuing my master’s, I was focused on construction management and had never really considered roadway design as a career. Yet here I am, working on these projects that I’m truly passionate about within the roadway design practice.

Embrace chances to develop new skills, connect with diverse people, and explore unfamiliar subjects. Taking initiative and being curious can truly lead you down exciting, unanticipated paths.