Principal Engineer

Poulos-; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers in Orlando seeks a Principal Engineer to lead complex roadway programs from concept through final design and construction support. You will translate client objectives into design solutions and guide project teams across disciplines.

Expect to mentor engineers and coordinate with project managers, agencies, and subcontractors, ensuring high-quality deliverables, adherence to standards, and effective client communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the states required to support project work.
• 8+ years of progressive engineering experience leading complex projects and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for complex roadway programs from concept to final design and construction support.
• Establish technical approaches, evaluate alternatives, and balance quality, risk, cost, and schedule.
• Review and approve calculations, plans, and deliverables for accuracy and standards compliance.
• Mentor engineers and coordinate with project managers, agencies, and subcontractors.

Skills

Technical leadership

Team mentoring

Engineering judgment

Client communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

CAD / civil design software

Job description

Job Description:OverviewThe Principal Engineer is a senior technical leader who provides advanced engineering judgment, technical direction, and project leadership for complex work within an assigned service area. This role translates client and project objectives into effective design solutions, guides project teams through challenging technical issues, and serves as a trusted resource to Project Engineers, Senior Project Engineers, project managers, and technical staff. The Principal Engineer operates with substantial independence and helps strengthen technical quality, client confidence, and the development of the firm’s engineering practice.ResponsibilitiesProvide technical leadership for complex engineering projects from concept development through final design, permitting, construction, or implementation support, as applicable.Establish technical approaches, design criteria, and work plans; evaluate alternatives and recommend solutions that balance quality, risk, constructability, cost, and schedule.Review and approve engineering calculations, plans, specifications, reports, estimates, and other technical deliverables for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable standards.Resolve complex technical issues and provide authoritative guidance to project teams, clients, agencies, subconsultants, and contractors.Mentor and develop engineers, EITs, designers, and other technical staff; promote sound engineering judgment, accountability, and quality-focused work practices.Coordinate with Project Managers and Senior Project Managers on scope, staffing, schedules, budgets, risk, quality control, and client expectations.Support proposals, scopes, fee development, client presentations, interviews, and other business-development activities within the assigned service area.Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of design standards, technical tools, workflows, and QA/QC practices.Represent the firm professionally with clients, agencies, professional organizations, and community stakeholders.Provide technical direction for complex roadway programs, including schematics, PS&E, geometric design, standards, constructability, and delivery.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program.Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state(s) required to support project work.Minimum of 8 years of progressive engineering experience, including substantial experience leading complex projects and technical teams.Demonstrated expertise in engineering design, analysis, applicable codes and standards, and project delivery within the assigned service area.Proven ability to mentor technical staff, influence project outcomes, and communicate effectively with clients, agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.If you need an accommodation or assistance with completing your application due to a disability or special need, please contact our team at [e-mail] or call [phone].EEO Statement:All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.