Larson Design Group Program Manager interview questions & guide 2026

Interviewers at Larson Design Group focus on your ability to handle complex, multi-faceted responsibilities while maintaining a focus on client relationships and technical rigor. The following questions are representative of the themes you will encounter.

Technical and Domain Expertise

These questions test your background in engineering, construction inspection, and your familiarity with the regulatory frameworks essential to Larson Design Group projects.

• How do you ensure compliance with federal, state, and local transportation requirements such as FHWA, FTA, or NEPA?
• Can you describe your experience managing projects using systems like CDS NeXtGen or Kahua?

Preparation for a Program Manager role at Larson Design Group should focus on articulating your track record of delivering results while demonstrating the maturity required to lead in an employee-owned environment.

Strategic Program Delivery – You must demonstrate an ability to see the "big picture." Interviewers want to know how you align individual project schedules and budgets with overall program goals and long-range transportation plans.

Technical Competence – Whether in transportation planning or construction inspection, you will be evaluated on your depth of knowledge regarding industry standards. Be prepared to discuss specific certifications (such as NICET, NECEPT, or PE licensure) and how you keep current with evolving regulations.

Leadership & Mentorship – As a Program Manager, your influence is measured by the success of your team. Provide concrete examples of how you have delegated tasks, resolved resource constraints, and fostered a culture of continuous learning within your departments.

Communication & Client Relations – You are the face of Larson Design Group to the client. Demonstrate your proficiency in public speaking, presenting project updates, and translating complex technical issues for non-technical stakeholders.

The interview process at Larson Design Group is designed to evaluate both your technical mastery and your alignment with the firm's core values. You should expect a rigorous assessment that includes interactions with senior leaders, peers, and potentially members of the teams you will be managing. The pace is professional and thorough, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the infrastructure projects the firm undertakes.

Candidates should anticipate a mix of behavioral and technical interviews. Because Larson Design Group is employee-owned, interviewers often look for a "business owner" mindset—a sense of accountability for the firm's overall success rather than just task completion. The process is collaborative and data-driven, focusing on your ability to solve real-world problems that the firm faces daily.

The timeline above represents a typical progression from initial screening to deeper technical and behavioral discussions. Use this structure to pace your preparation, ensuring you have enough time to review your past projects and prepare STAR-method responses for leadership scenarios.

Program and Financial Oversight

This area is critical because you are responsible for large-scale portfolios. You will be evaluated on your ability to maintain fiscal discipline while meeting strict delivery milestones.

Be ready to go over:

• Budget Forecasting – Explaining how you estimate costs and maintain profitability.
• Resource Allocation – Balancing staff utilization across multiple, competing projects.

As a Program Manager, you are the primary driver of project health and team performance. Your day-to-day work involves high-level coordination and hands-on problem solving. You will spend significant time monitoring project roadmaps, ensuring that schedules, budgets, and permitting timelines are synchronized.

Collaboration is central to this role. You will work closely with finance teams to ensure accurate invoicing and grant management, while simultaneously acting as a mentor to project managers. You are expected to be the main point of contact for external partners, including DOTs and utility companies, ensuring that every project reflects the firm’s commitment to safety, mobility, and sustainability.

A competitive candidate for this role at Larson Design Group combines deep technical expertise with seasoned leadership experience.

• Must-have skills:
  • Minimum of 10–15 years of relevant experience (depending on the specific program).
  • Strong proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with industry software like AutoCAD or MicroStation.
  • Demonstrated history of leading teams and managing multi-million dollar portfolios.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client-facing presentations.
• Nice-to-have skills:
  • Professional licensure (PE, RA, PLA, or PLS) is highly desirable and often preferred.
  • Specific certifications such as NICET or NECEPT for construction inspection.
  • Experience with project management software like Deltek Vision or Kahua.

Q: How much preparation time should I set aside? A: Dedicate at least 10–15 hours to reviewing your project history and aligning your experiences with the specific requirements mentioned in the job posting, such as DOT project experience or regulatory compliance.

Q: What differentiates successful candidates at LDG? A: Successful candidates show an "ownership mindset." They don't just report on project status; they proactively identify risks and propose solutions that protect the client's interests and the firm's reputation.

Q: Is the culture at Larson Design Group collaborative? A: Yes, being 100% employee-owned fosters a culture where sharing knowledge and celebrating collective wins is highly encouraged. Expect interviewers to value team-oriented answers over individualistic ones.

Q: What is the typical timeline from the initial screen to an offer? A: While it varies by region and specific project urgency, candidates should generally expect a 3–5 week process including multiple rounds of interviews.

• Highlight your ownership: Since the firm is employee-owned, emphasize examples where you took initiative to improve a process or save the company money.
• Know your numbers: Be prepared to discuss the exact scale of the budgets you have managed and the specific outcomes (e.g., "I reduced inspection delays by 15%").
• Practice your technical narrative: Even if you are a manager, you must be able to explain the technical details of your projects clearly.
• Prepare for behavioral questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answers structured and impactful.

The Program Manager position at Larson Design Group is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of high-impact infrastructure projects while working in a supportive, employee-owned culture. By focusing your preparation on your technical leadership, financial oversight, and ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for this role.

To further refine your preparation, you can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. You have the experience and the drive to succeed; approach your interviews with confidence, clarity, and a focus on the value you bring to the team.

The provided salary data reflects the market range for this position across various locations. Candidates should use this as a baseline for total compensation expectations, keeping in mind that actual offers are determined by years of relevant experience, specific licensure held, and the complexity of the regional program you will be managing.