Principal Engineer

apexcompanies; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Apex Companies is seeking a senior Civil Engineer leader to head the Sacramento office. You will guide a multidisciplinary team from early planning through construction, ensuring on-time, on-budget project delivery and high-quality outcomes.

The role emphasizes client leadership, staff mentorship, and regional growth initiatives across the western U.S. A PE license in California is required or the ability to obtain it, with Nevada licensure a plus.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive civil engineering experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in California, or ability to obtain licensure.
• PE registration in Nevada is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers delivering infrastructure projects from design through closeout.
• Oversee delivery with focus on schedules, budgets, QA/QC, and client relations.
• Mentor staff and build a high-performance, accountable culture.
• Support regional growth through business development and client relationships.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning and growth initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Client management

Mentoring staff

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Are you driven to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact? At Apex, we're building more than a consulting and engineering firm-we're creating a place where your career accelerates, your contributions matter, and your potential is fully realized. We believe your growth is our growth, which is why we invest in your development at every stage of your career. Here, you'll work on projects that shape communities, protect the environment, and create lasting impact, all while being empowered with the autonomy and flexibility to do your best work.

Fueled by high-quality delivery, exceptional client retention, and strategic acquisitions, Apex Companies continues to rank among the fastest-growing firms in the AEC industry, recently recognized by the Zweig Group for our industry-leading growth. Our success is grounded in strong leadership, a collaborative culture, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.

As we continue to expand, we're looking for high-performing professionals who are ready to lead, collaborate, innovate, and create impact. At Apex, you help shape what's next. When we succeed together, we share in that success. All Apex positions are eligible for annual bonus opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to recognizing and rewarding meaningful contributions that drive our collective growth.

When you join our team you won't just be 'going to work'. You'll be helping grow a longstanding business while receiving the recognition and support your commitment to professional growth deserves.

If you're looking for a place where your technical judgment matters, your work has visible community impact, and your career path can grow with the business, this could be a great next step.

We believe where you work matters. Our Sacramento office offers a collaborative atmosphere with plenty of natural light, an on-site fitness center with showers, complimentary loaner bikes to enjoy nearby trails, great restaurants within walking distance, a game room, putting green, and an outdoor BBQ area for team celebrations.

This role is eligible for a $20,000 sign-on bonus, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's sign-on bonus program.

What You'll Do:

• Lead a talented team of engineers and technical professionals delivering infrastructure projects from early planning and design through bidding, construction, and closeout.
• Oversee project delivery with a focus on schedules, budgets, quality, staffing, and strong communication across clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Serve as a trusted partner to clients by understanding their needs, solving problems proactively, and delivering practical, value-driven engineering solutions.
• Mentor, coach, and develop staff while fostering a collaborative team culture built on quality, accountability, and professional growth.
• Support regional growth through thoughtful business development, networking, proposal strategy, client presentations, and long-term relationship building.
• Partner closely with division leadership on strategic planning, client development, operational priorities, and growth initiatives throughout the western U.S.
• Play a key role in talent development, succession planning, and building a sustainable leadership bench for continued office and regional success.
• Help refine and execute the Sacramento office's business growth plan, daily operations, and profitability goals while aligning with broader corporate objectives.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in California, or the ability to obtain California licensure.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Nevada is a plus.
• 15+ years of progressive civil engineering experience, ideally with a mix of technical delivery, project leadership, client management, and team development.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex priorities, and build trusted relationships with public- and private-sector clients.
• Strong project management experience, including proposals, scopes, budgets, schedules, QA/QC, and successful execution of engineering projects.
• A people-first leadership style with a track record of mentoring staff, supporting career growth, and creating accountability without losing collaboration.
• Experience with strategic planning, client development, operational oversight, and growing a book of work or regional practice.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong business judgment, and the ability to represent the firm with professionalism and credibility.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• A high-impact leadership role in a growing Sacramento office with strong local momentum and regional support.
• Work alongside experienced leaders in a culture that values growth, mentorship, and giving employees the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of a well-established local practice.
• Flexible schedule that supports both client service and work-