Senior Principal Engineer

Senior Principal Engineer

Department: Water/Wastewater

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Compensation: $150,000 - $180,000 / year

Description

The Senior Principal Engineer is a senior leadership role responsible for technical excellence, strategic growth, and operational oversight within Rinker Design Associates engineering practice. This position combines high-level project leadership, client engagement, and staff development, serving as a key contributor to both regional success and long‑term organizational strategy.

What You’ll Do

• Provide executive-level oversight and technical direction on complex transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as Engineer of Record as appropriate and ensure adherence to applicable state, federal, and industry standards.
• Review and approve engineering designs, calculations, plans, specifications, and deliverables.
• Act as a trusted advisor to key public‑sector and institutional clients.
• Maintain and expand long‑term client relationships throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.
• Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and interviews for major project opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior engineers, project managers, and emerging leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Support succession planning and workforce development initiatives.
• Collaborate with Rinker Design Associates and Trilon Group leadership on growth initiatives and integration efforts.
• Contribute to operational planning, financial performance, and resource management.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, markets, and delivery methods.

What You’ll Need

• Knowledge of graphic designing is very essential utilizing the latest version of Autodesk/Civil 3D.
• Knowledge of hydraulic modeling software is a plus: WaterCAD and KYPipe.
• Skill in updating, maintaining, operating and evaluating all AutoCAD software and related equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring edits requested by project manager are accurate.
• Able to fully understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to operate, access, and maintain diverse software applications.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Basic understanding of ISO 9000 design requirements.

Why Join RDA?

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan; Roth Contributions
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability
• Generous PTO and 8 federal holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Parental leave
• Supportive team culture

RDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug‑free workplace.

Applicants that require an employment visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered.