PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

The State of New Hampshire; Lancaster (NH); On-site; USD 41,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program

Life insurance

Job summary

The State of New Hampshire – Bureau of Highway Maintenance, District 1 in Lancaster, NH, is recruiting for a Principal Engineer. This leadership role directs highway maintenance operations and oversees complex engineering policies within the district.

Salary range is USD 40,700 to 55,880, with a close date of 10/20/2026 and a location in Lancaster, NH. The position requires advanced education in engineering, PE licensure, and substantial civil engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and supervises the activities of a highway maintenance district with responsibility for ensuring the integrity, mobility, and safety of the state highway system and for providing safe all-weather travel within the District.
• Formulates strategies and plans to efficiently and cost effectively implement the Department’s objectives and goals. Routinely evaluates highway pavements, and recommends programs for restoration, rehabilitation, or resurfacing.
• Prepares, monitors, adjusts, and supervises the accounting of District budgets to ensure efficient accomplishment of goals within Department mandated constraints.
• Supervises and directs surveys, preparation of plans and construction of state aid, betterment and other force account projects including the construction and maintenance of District buildings and storage facilities. Serves as the Engineer of Record for district-initiated projects.

Job description

For assistance, contact the State of New Hampshire – Division of Personnel Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST 603-271-3261 or [e-mail]

Bureau of Highway Maintenance - District 1

Principal Engineer

Salary: USD 40.700-55.880

Close Date: 10/20/2026

Location: US:NH:LANCASTER

Post Date: 09/21/2026

To direct and supervise overall highway maintenance operations within a highway district of the Department of Transportation as well as administering, formulating, and authorizing complex engineering and administrative policies and procedures.

Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree from an accredited institute of higher education with a major study in engineering, or possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute of higher education with a major study in engineering and possession of a Master of Business Administration degree from an accredited institute of higher education. Experience: Four years of experience in civil engineering post Professional Engineer licensure.
• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institute of higher education with a major study in engineering. Experience: Six years of experience in civil engineering post Professional Engineer licensure.
• Education: Associate’s degree from an accredited institute of higher education with a major study in engineering or engineering technology. Experience: Eight years of experience in civil engineering post Professional Engineer licensure.

License / Certification

• Professional Engineer (PE) License with designation in Civil, Civil Highway, Geo Technical or Structural Engineering
• Valid driver’s license and/or access to transportation

Other Requirements

• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) must meet the minimum standards as established by the hiring agency
• Must have a telephone or acceptable means of communication and be available 24 hours per day

Trainee Option: Candidates with an equivalent combination of 9+ years of relevant education and experience after completion of high school may be considered and hired in 'trainee status' for this position.

Preferred Qualifications: Applicant living within highway district preferred.

After-Hire Requirements: Must possess a NH Professional Engineer license within 12 months of hire.

The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.

When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and supervises the activities of a highway maintenance district with responsibility for ensuring the integrity, mobility, and safety of the state highway system and for providing safe all-weather travel within the District.
• Formulates strategies and plans to efficiently and cost effectively implement the Department’s objectives and goals. Routinely evaluates highway pavements, and recommends programs for restoration, rehabilitation, or resurfacing.
• Prepares, monitors, adjusts, and supervises the accounting of District budgets to ensure efficient accomplishment of goals within Department mandated constraints.
• Supervises and directs surveys, preparation of plans and construction of state aid, betterment and other force account projects including the construction and maintenance of District buildings and storage facilities. Serves as the Engineer of Record for district-initiated projects.
• Consults with utilities, local officials, engineering firms, and others concerning requests for utility installation including water, sewer and natural gas pipelines, cables, conduits, and utility poles within highway limits.
• Supervises and directs evaluation of applications for the construction or alteration of drives giving access to the state highways, issues permits for such work, and monitors construction activity to check for compliance with specifications and established policy.
• Evaluates the performance of personnel, equipment, systems, and facilities to maximize their cost-effective utilization. Serves as appointing authority responsible for hiring, promotion and termination of district employees.
• Responds to emergency situations, at any hour of any day, to address safety and mobility problems on the highway system.
• Responds to inquiries from highway abutters, the traveling public, and appointed elected officials on the local, state, and federal level.
• Represents the Department at various meetings, hearings, and court proceedings.
• Performs and oversees work in full conformance with all risk management, safety, and environmental standards, regulations, and administrative orders.

For assistance creating your talent profile or applying online please contact Pamela Shore, Training and Recruitment Specialist, at [phone] or at [e-mail]

Benefits and Total Compensation

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits: The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay

• Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet: https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website: https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH1-800-735-2964