Civil Engineering Principal

System One; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

System One seeks a Civil Engineering Principal in Knoxville, TN, to lead and advance complex civil projects onsite. The role emphasizes guiding senior teams, building client relationships across Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Renewables, and Manufacturing sectors, and driving high-level professional development initiatives.

The successful candidate will oversee project profitability, mentor staff, and present expert testimony when required, while ensuring strong collaboration with clients, regulators,

Qualifications

• 15+ years of civil engineering experience or a relevant combination of experience and education.
• PE licensure with Tennessee registration or ability to obtain.
• CPESC, CFM, or PMP are a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing large, complex civil engineering projects.
• Experience mentoring and developing engineering staff.
• Proven track record in business development and client relationships.
• Experience integrating multidisciplinary teams and coordinating across projects.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced engineering principles and practices to manage complex projects.
• Develop, lead, and mentor teams of engineers and project managers to achieve technical and professional excellence.
• Grow and develop established and new clients in the Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Renewables, and Manufacturing sectors.
• Participate in and lead internal and external client- and professional-development initiatives.
• Lead financial management of projects (AR/WIP), including resolving complex accounting or legal issues.
• Develop scopes of service and project budgets (proposals) and direct projects profitably.
• Hire, recruit, mentor, and develop staff members to support career growth and office capabilities.
• Communicate effectively with staff, clients, contractors, and regulatory officials, both verbally and in writing.
• Present at public meetings and hearings with qualifications sufficient to provide expert testimony.
• Demonstrate leadership and commitment to mentoring junior staff while fostering a collaborative team culture.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Business development

Client relationship management

Cross-disciplinary coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (or related field); MBA preferred

Job description

Job Title: Civil Engineering Principal
Location: Knoxville, TN
Type: Direct Hire
Work Model: Onsite – onsite

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced engineering principles and practices to manage complex projects.
• Develop, lead, and mentor teams of engineers and project managers to achieve technical and professional excellence.
• Grow and develop established and new clients in the Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Renewables, and Manufacturing sectors.
• Participate in and lead internal and external client- and professional-development initiatives.
• Lead financial management of projects (AR/WIP), including resolving complex accounting or legal issues.
• Develop scopes of service and project budgets (proposals) and direct projects profitably.
• Hire, recruit, mentor, and develop staff members to support career growth and office capabilities.
• Communicate effectively with staff, clients, contractors, and regulatory officials, both verbally and in writing.
• Present at public meetings and hearings with qualifications sufficient to provide expert testimony.
• Demonstrate leadership and commitment to mentoring junior staff while fostering a collaborative team culture.

Requirements

• 15+ years of civil engineering experience or a relevant combination of experience and education
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field; MBA preferred
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure, with Tennessee registration or ability to obtain
• Additional professional certifications such as CPESC, CFM, or PMP are a plus
• Demonstrated leadership in managing large, complex civil engineering projects
• Experience mentoring and developing engineering staff
• Proven track record in business development and client relationship management
• Experience integrating multidisciplinary teams and coordinating across projects

Benefits

Eligible employees receive health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.