Civil Engineering Principal - Lead Major Projects & Teams

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

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,