Principal Civil Engineer

CornerStone Professional Placement; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Arizona is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to lead complex projects and ensure adherence to quality standards. This role demands a senior leader with substantial experience in civil engineering and project management. The company values collaboration, client relationships, and career growth. This opportunity offers competitive compensation and a supportive workplace culture, emphasizing employee development and project delivery excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering project management.
• Demonstrated success in overseeing project budgets and profitability.
• Strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of civil engineering projects.
• Oversee project financials and ensure quality standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their professional growth.

Skills

Project management

Financial oversight

Client relationship management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Active Arizona Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Principal Civil Engineer

Location: Tempe, AZ (100% Onsite)

Schedule: M-F, 8am-5pm

Duration: Full-Time | Be a permanent employee from day one!

About the Opportunity

An established and rapidly growing engineering firm in Arizona is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to lead complex infrastructure and land development projects across the state. This role is ideal for a senior technical leader who excels in project delivery, financial oversight, and cultivating strong client relationships. The company offers a collaborative environment, multidisciplinary project exposure, and clear pathways for career advancement within an Arizona-based leadership structure.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the planning, design, and execution of civil engineering projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Oversee project financials including budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and resource allocation.
• Provide hands‑on leadership to project teams, promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and project managers, supporting their technical growth and professional progress.
• Partner with internal teams, subcontractors, and consultants to resolve project challenges and maintain efficient workflows.
• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, municipalities, and industry partners to support repeat business and client satisfaction.
• Participate in business development efforts including proposals, presentations, and strategic pursuit planning.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as internal quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (advanced degree or specialty certification preferred).
• Active Arizona Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering project management.
• Demonstrated success overseeing project budgets, financial performance, and P&L responsibility.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills with experience presenting to stakeholders and engaging directly with clients.
• Background in infrastructure, land development, transportation, utilities, or other civil-focused projects preferred.

What Makes This Opportunity Appealing

• Leadership role with high visibility and direct impact on project outcomes and business growth.
• Multidisciplinary exposure spanning civil engineering, environmental services, geotechnical work, surveying, and infrastructure solutions.
• Arizona-based firm with local decision-making, supportive culture, and strong commitment to employee development.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for advancement within a fast-growing organization.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Engineering, Project Management, and Business Development

Industries

Civil Engineering