Principal Engineer

Hazen and Sawyer; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Pre‑tax flexible spending plans

Paid time off (PTO)

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Principal Engineer for its Fairfax, VA office. The ideal candidate will oversee public-sector water and wastewater facility design projects. Responsibilities include delivering project plans, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, strong communication skills, and experience in multidisciplinary teams. The firm offers comprehensive health benefits, a 401(k) plan, and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of documented design experience for water/wastewater facilities following PE licensure.
• PE license in Virginia or ability to obtain one via comity.
• Proficiency with standard software platforms.

Responsibilities

• Deliver public-sector water and wastewater facilities planning and design projects.
• Support projects as design team lead or project manager.
• Prepare facility assessment and design reports.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Design experience for water/wastewater facilities

Supervising and coordinating work

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in relevant fields

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CADD

GIS

Revit

Job description

Principal Engineer – Fairfax, VA

Principal Engineer for our Fairfax, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver public‑sector water and wastewater facilities planning and design projects.
• Support projects as part of the design team, design lead, task manager, and/or project manager.
• Prepare facility assessment and design reports.
• Perform design calculations, process and/or hydraulic modeling, select and size equipment, prepare design documents and construction documents, and support construction‑phase services both in office and on site.
• Perform field work and site visits from planning through construction, with occasional travel; mentor junior engineers while collaborating with senior mentors, local, and regional office leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• PE license in Virginia or ability to obtain one via comity.
• Minimum of 1 year of documented design experience for water/wastewater facilities following PE licensure.
• Experience working on and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience supervising, coordinating, and reviewing work by junior and technical staff.
• Ability to estimate workload and develop schedules.
• Proficiency with standard software platforms (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Strong organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Experience serving as Project Manager for water/wastewater facility projects.
• Experience supporting proposal preparation and participating in interviews.
• Experience communicating and coordinating with clients.
• Experience mentoring junior and technical staff.
• Experience delivering water and/or wastewater facility projects from preliminary design through construction.
• Familiarity with CADD, GIS, Revit, and/or other relevant software.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans).
• Pre‑tax flexible spending plans for medical, dependent care, and transportation.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability; employer‑paid life insurance.
• Paid holidays, floating holidays, and paid time off (PTO).
• Employer‑contributed 401(k) plan and additional financial planning support.
• Professional growth opportunities, including tuition reimbursement, in‑house training, and incentives for professional registration and membership in professional organizations.
• Starting pay range dependent on skills, experience, education, and geographic location.