Principal Engineer

Prince William County Government; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 91,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Prince William County Public Works seeks a Principal Engineer to lead senior reviews of land development plans, focusing on grading, erosion and sediment control, storm drainage, floodplain studies, and stormwater management. This role requires independent management of multiple projects and strong communication with applicants, consultants, and County staff.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's in engineering, 3+ years of related experience, and a PE license (or ability to obtain within one

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering and 3+ years designing/reviewing land development plans.
• PE license preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Virginia SWM/E&S certifications within first year preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead senior review of land development plans (grading, drainage, stormwater).
• Communicate review requirements clearly to applicants, consultants, and staff.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Professional Engineer license (PE)

Tools

Hydraulic/hydrology software

Plan review procedures

Job description

Are you an experienced civil engineer with a strong background in land development plan review and a commitment to providing excellent customer service? Do you bring sound technical judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to independently manage multiple priorities while working collaboratively with other professionals? If so, Prince William County Public Works may have an opportunity for you.

The Prince William County Department of Public Works, Environmental Management Division, is seeking an experienced civil engineer to serve as a Principal Engineer. Put your professional experience and sound engineering judgment, effective problem-solving skills, and ability to perform assignments with minimal supervision to work at Prince William County's Department of Public Works!

About This Role:

This position operates at a senior professional level and performs senior-level reviews of land development plans, with a focus on grading, erosion and sediment control, storm drainage, floodplain studies, and stormwater management.

The Principal Engineer will apply advanced engineering knowledge and professional judgment to evaluate complex development proposals, identify and resolve technical issues, and clearly communicate review requirements to applicants, consultants, County staff, and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices, particularly as they relate to land development, grading, storm drainage, stormwater management, floodplain studies, and erosion and sediment control.

This position requires the ability to independently manage multiple projects and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and responsiveness throughout the plan review process. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the Principal Engineer regularly works with engineers, developers, consultants, County staff, and other stakeholders to address technical issues and facilitate resolution of plan review comments.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in engineering and three (3) years of related experience designing and/or reviewing land development plans.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to candidates who possess a degree in civil engineering or a related field and have at least three (3) years of experience designing and/or reviewing land development plans. A Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is preferred. Additional preferred experience includes three (3) or more years of experience in the following areas:

• Designing and/or reviewing erosion and sediment control plans.
• Designing and/or reviewing land development projects involving overall grading and storm drainage systems.
• Designing and/or reviewing stormwater management facilities and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Conducting and/or reviewing hydraulic and hydrologic studies, including the use of applicable engineering software.
• Handling stormwater maintenance agreements and easements.
• Conducting and/or reviewing floodplain studies.
• Designing and/or reviewing Lot Grading Plans.
• Designing and/or reviewing As-Build Plans.

Special Requirements:

The selected candidate must either possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or be able to obtain one within the first year of employment.

The selected candidate must also possess or be able to obtain within the first year of employment applicable Virginia certifications in Stormwater Management (SWM) and Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) for plan review.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, either 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Telework is not currently available for this position.

Starting Salary Range:

$91.162.50 - $121,836.00 annually

HIRING BONUS:

This position qualifies for a one-time cash signing bonus up to $3,000! This bonus will be paid in two installments and is subject to all applicable tax withholding and reporting requirements. The first installment of up to $1,500 is payable upon the County’s pay date following the 90th day of employment, and the final installment of up to $1,500 will be payable on the pay date following the completion of your one-year probation.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety.

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.