Principal Engineer (Technical Lead – Land Development & Infrastructure)
Position Summary
The Principal Engineer is a senior technical expert responsible for leading the design and execution of complex land development and infrastructure projects as assigned. This role emphasizes hands-on engineering, technical problem-solving, and quality of design, with responsibility for serving as Engineer of Record and setting the technical direction of assigned projects.
This position is ideal for a highly experienced engineer who wants to remain deeply engaged in design while mentoring staff and influencing engineering standards across the firm.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Design & Engineering
- Lead and perform advanced design of:
- Water distribution and sanitary sewer systems
- Stormwater management and drainage systems
- Roadway and site layout/grading for land development projects
- Serve as Engineer of Record, responsible for sealing plans, reports, and calculations
- Develop and review hydrologic and hydraulic models, utility designs, and grading plans
- Solve complex site constraints, utility conflicts, and regulatory challenges
- Prepare and review detailed engineering reports, specifications, calculations , set construction stakeout, and coordinate with survey crews
Permitting & Regulatory Expertise
- Lead technical coordination and approvals with:
- NCDEQ (water/sewer extensions, stormwater)
- NCDOT (encroachments, roadway design)
- Local jurisdictions and municipalities
- Interpret and apply North Carolina design standards, ordinances, and regulatory requirements
- Provide strategic direction to navigate challenging permitting issues
Quality Control & Technical Oversight
- Perform high-level QA/QC reviews on design plans, calculations, and reports
- Establish and refine engineering design standards, details, and best practices
- Ensure consistency, accuracy, and constructability across all deliverables
- Assist with technical review and guidance on projects led by other engineers as needed
Mentorship & Technical Leadership
- Mentor and develop EITs and mid-level engineers in design practices and problem-solving
- Provide technical training and guidance in tools such as Autodesk Civil 3D
- Foster a strong technical culture focused on quality and continuous improvement
Construction Support
- Provide technical support during construction, including:
- Review of RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings
- Resolution of field design issues and unforeseen conditions
- Conduct site visits to verify design intent and address construction challenges
- Review as-built drawings and support project certification
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced expertise in civil/site design, including grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure
- Strong working knowledge of hydrology and hydraulics principles and modeling
- Deep familiarity with North Carolina permitting processes and regulatory agencies
- Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D and related design tools
- Strong understanding of construction methods and plan constructability
- Ability to independently lead complex design efforts from concept through construction
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Effective communicator capable of explaining technical concepts to clients and agencies
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or related field)
- 12+ years of progressive experience in land development and infrastructure design
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina
- Proven experience serving as Engineer of Record on complex projects
- High level of proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D and standard engineering software
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Primarily onsite, office-based with periodic field visits to active construction sites
- Ability to navigate construction sites and perform site observations
- Frequent computer use for design, modeling, and documentation
- Work performed in both office and outdoor environments
FLSA Status
Exempt
Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
What We Offer
- Work Culture
- Our motto is “Have Fun, Generate a Profit, and Do Good in Communities”; we value professionals who lead through service, operate with humility, and take pride in enabling others to succeed
- Competitive Compensation
Base salary range of $150,000 – $180,000 per year, commensurate with experience, plus performance-based bonuses tied to individual contribution and project successServe as Engineer of Record and lead complex, high-impact projects while remaining actively involved in design and technical problem-solvingFour weeks PTO per year to support productivity and work-life balanceWork on a variety of land development and infrastructure projects across North Carolina, including technically complex and high-visibility sitesPlay a key role in shaping engineering standards, mentoring staff, and influencing the firm’s technical directionSupport for continuing education, licensure, and participation in industry organizations and conferencesIncludes health, dental, and vision insurance, and retirement plan with company contributionsUtilize modern data collection methods, including drone-based surveying alongside RTK ground surveying, to support accurate, efficient project deliveryAccess to industry-leading design tools, including Autodesk Civil 3D, GIS platforms, and other advanced engineering software
- Technical Leadership Without Bureaucracy
- People Centric Work Environment
- Challenging & Diverse Projects
- Career Growth & Influence
- Professional Development
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Advanced Field & Survey Technology
- Modern Tools & Technology
Pay: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
