Civil Engineer - Principal

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Profit sharing

Performance bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Job summary

A leading civil engineering firm in Charlotte is seeking an experienced Civil Engineering Principal to lead project teams in site and land development. The role requires a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a P.E. license, along with at least 15 years of experience. Responsibilities include managing projects from proposal through construction, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Competitive benefits include a matching 401(k), profit sharing, and extensive professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of civil engineering experience in site development or infrastructure design.
• Proven ability to manage civil/site development projects with annual fees over $500,000.
• Familiar with local/state permitting processes and coordinating with regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

• Manage site development and civil engineering projects from proposal through construction.
• Lead the design and review of site layout, grading, stormwater systems, utilities, and erosion control.
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers and technical staff.

Skills

Civil engineering experience

Project management

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Stormwater modeling

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

HydroCAD

HEC-RAS

Job description

Join to apply for the Civil Engineering Principal role at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

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Join to apply for the Civil Engineering Principal role at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

At Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC), every team member is personally invested in serving our clients with integrity, delivering results that matter, and growing meaningful careers. As employee‑owners, we’re accountable not just for our work, but for creating an environment that supports and challenges one another. Our people are our priority — and that’s what drives us to dig deeper, collaborate smarter, and build lasting relationships inside and outside of our company.

As a Civil Engineering Principal in our Civil Practice at the Charlotte, NC office, you’ll lead project teams responsible for land development and site design for a wide range of commercial, residential, institutional, and industrial projects. You’ll manage staff members that prepare tasks such as site layout, grading, stormwater management, utility design, erosion control, and permitting. You’ll work closely with clients and stakeholders from concept through construction, ensuring quality, compliance, and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage site development and civil engineering projects from proposal through construction, including oversight of scope, schedule, and budget.
• Lead the design and review of site layout, grading, stormwater systems, utilities, and erosion control.
• Prepare and oversee technical reports, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and permit applications.
• Perform quality assurance/quality control reviews and ensure project deliverables meet regulatory and client requirements.
• Coordinate and communicate with clients, contractors, subconsultants, and regulatory agencies throughout all phases of the project.
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers and technical staff, including support for career development planning and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on business development and strategic client growth initiatives.

Our Charlotte office is home to a collaborative and growing team of professionals in one of the Southeast’s most vibrant cities. Located near both the mountains and the coast, Charlotte offers a unique mix of urban energy, outdoor recreation, and Southern charm. With top-rated schools, a thriving downtown, and a strong sense of community, Charlotte is a great place to live, work, and grow.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of civil engineering experience in site development or infrastructure design; or a comparable combination of education and experience.
• B.S. in Civil Engineering (or related discipline) required.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure required.
• Proven ability to manage civil/site development projects with annual fees over $500,000.
• Proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and stormwater modeling tools; experience with HydroCAD or HEC‑RAS preferred.
• Experience developing scopes, preparing proposals, and managing projects profitably.
• Skilled in resolving design and permitting challenges for grading, stormwater, and utility layouts.
• Familiar with local/state permitting processes and coordinating with regulatory agencies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience working across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Active participation in professional or client‑related organizations is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to mentoring junior staff.

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News‑Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community – focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite – focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA – focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women – focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!

We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you – that is our goal. CEC offers you a small‑firm work environment with large‑firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long‑term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work‑life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited. Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Education and Training • Industries: Civil Engineering

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