Principal Engineer

Chesterfield County, VA; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterfield County Utilities is seeking a Senior Engineer to lead a team on water and wastewater projects. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering and five years of progressive professional experience are required, with supervisory experience preferred and a PE license preferred.

Responsibilities include evaluating system improvements, preparing reports and cost estimates, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. The role is full-time, Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., open until filled.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field.
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in professional engineering.
• One year of supervisory experience preferred.
• Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent the county as part of a project team to manage impacts to the utilities systems associated with land development proposals.
• Evaluate and make recommendations for improvements to water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Prepare and review monthly reports, drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and contracts.
• Interact with the public and collaborate with other agencies, consulting firms, internal and external customers.
• Host or attend meetings and presentations pertaining to design and construction of public water and wastewater systems.
• Supervise a team of senior engineers and senior engineering assistants.
• Perform other work as required.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field; five years of increasingly responsible experience in professional engineering; one year of supervisory experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Additional Requirements:

Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of water and wastewater engineering; of pertinent federal, state and local laws and regulations; of engineering project management methods and techniques. Ability to supervise the preparation of engineering design plans, specifications and cost estimates; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to operate a personal computer and related software and other standard office equipment; to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers; to supervise subordinate engineers.

Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

• Represent the county as part of a project team to manage impacts to the utilities systems associated with land development proposals in close coordination with the county’s Economic Development, Planning, Environmental Engineering, CDOT, and Building Inspector’s Office.
• Evaluate and make recommendations for improvement to the water distribution and wastewater collection systems using engineering analysis, field data, and standard engineering practices.
• Prepare and review monthly reports, drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and contracts.
• Interact with the public and collaborate with other agencies, consulting firms, internal and external customers.
• Host or attend meetings and presentations with diverse groups of internal and external customers pertaining to the design and construction of the public water and wastewater systems.
• Supervise a team of senior engineers and senior engineering assistant providing the training, guidance, and responsibility for reaching the departments goals and expectations for project completion.
• Perform other work as required

PLEASE NOTE: Position is open until filled (first review to begin September 7, 2026).

Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Utilities