Principal Civil Engineer (PE)

Alta E&I; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Healthcare insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Professional development

Job summary

Alta Environmental & Infrastructure, a fast-growing Arizona engineering firm, seeks a Principal Civil Engineer (PE) to oversee complex projects from conception to completion in Tempe. You will ensure delivery within scope, schedule, and budget while driving business development and managing project P&L.

Lead planning, budgeting, risk management, and multidisciplinary coordination with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams to maximize profitability and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; advanced degree or certifications preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of civil engineering project management experience.
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting, P&L, and performance metrics.
• Excellent leadership and communication; able to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and monitoring of civil engineering projects.
• Develop plans, timelines, and budgets; track progress.
• Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Implement risk management to mitigate project risks.
• Manage P&L for assigned projects and forecast finances.
• Pursue new business opportunities within civil engineering sector.
• Mentor junior project management staff and foster growth.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

P&L management

Financial analysis

Risk management

Client relations

Cross-functional

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Alta Environmental & Infrastructure is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing engineering firms, with nearly 250 employees across the state. We’re 100% Arizona owned and managed, which means you’ll never feel like a number here. Our team delivers a full spectrum of services - civil engineering, surveying, geotechnical and materials testing, environmental, and EHS - giving you exposure to many paths and projects.

Alta is big enough to offer opportunity, and advanced technology - yet small enough that you’ll know your team, see your impact, and have leadership that knows you.

We’re proud to be a trusted partner to some of the nation’s largest corporations, developers, and public agencies - helping to build the future, while also protecting it through environmental stewardship and sustainable solutions.

General Summary:

The Principal Civil Engineer (PE) will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing complex civil engineering projects from conception to completion. This individual will be responsible for ensuring project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget constraints, while also driving business development initiatives and managing the Profit & Loss (P&L) for assigned projects.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of civil engineering projects, ensuring adherence to quality standards, regulatory requirements, and client specifications.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets, and regularly track and report project progress to stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors to allocate resources effectively and resolve project issues promptly.
• Implement risk management strategies to mitigate project risks and ensure timely resolution of conflicts.
• Manage the P&L for assigned projects, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to optimize project profitability.
• Monitor project expenses, labor costs, and resource utilization, identifying opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the civil engineering sector, leveraging existing client relationships and developing strategies to expand the company’s market presence.
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and proposal development efforts to secure new projects and contracts.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, government agencies, and industry to foster collaboration and drive business growth.
• Provide leadership and direction project teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and coach junior project management staff, sharing knowledge and best practices to develop their skills and capabilities.
• Promote a positive work environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and professional development.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty proficiently. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Batchelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field: advanced degree or professional certifications preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in civil engineering project management, with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing project budgets, P&L statements, and financials performance metrics.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence key stakeholders.

Why Join Us:

See your impact.

How many people can drive by a highway, school, or major company and say, “I helped build that?”

At Alta, every employee can. The work we do is visible in the infrastructure communities rely on every day.

We’re passionate about developing people. Many of our leaders began their journey in entry level positions, and worked their way up into management. We invest in you from day one with hands-on training, paid certifications, and mentorship to help you progress in your career.

Working at Alta means:

• Career mobility: clear paths to grow into leadership roles.
• Multi-disciplinary exposure: civil, survey, geotechnical, materials testing, environmental, EHS, etc.
• Investment in you: paid certifications and ongoing training.
• Culture of belonging: supportive teams where your work is recognized.
• Impact you can see: the chance to contribute to projects that define communities.

All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include the following: criminal/civil background check and drug screen

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Flexible work environment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT. It is the policy of Alta E&I not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.