Principal Engineer- Permits

Lake County, IL; Libertyville (IL); Hybrid; USD 74,411 - 94,803; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working hours

Wellness and training program

Job summary

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) invites applications for a Principal Engineer in the Permits division. The role administers the Lake County Highway Access and Use Ordinance, guiding development and utility work to protect public safety and infrastructure.

Office-based with standard hours (8:00 am–4:30 pm); field work and flexible/remote schedules are available. Offers salary grades starting at $74k to $95k+ with licensing requirements and progressive responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a major in Civil Engineering, required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience, required.
• Licensed Professional Engineer issued by IDFPR, required.
• Valid Driver's License with satisfactory driving record, required.

Responsibilities

• Review engineering, drainage, and traffic impact studies.
• Coordinate access permits, utility/facility permits, and special movement permits with other departments and municipalities.
• Prepare educational and training information for permit engineers and municipal engineers.
• Guide junior staff as appropriate.
• Apply modern civil engineering principles to highway design and construction.
• Demonstrate regulatory interpretation and contract development/administration.
• Maintain effective relationships with staff, agencies, municipalities, and the public.
• Work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Regulatory interpretation

Contract development

Program management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Civil engineering knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (IDFPR)

Engineering in Training registration (optional)

Job description

Becoming a Principal Engineer of Permits at the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) connects you directly with the broader engineering community, bridging the gap between local consultants, municipalities, and the State of Illinois. In this role, you will hold primary administrative and technical responsibility for enforcing the Lake County Highway Access and Use Ordinance, ensuring all development and utility work protects public safety and county infrastructure.

This is primarily an office-based engineering position, with regular hours of work Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Occasional field work will be required. Alternative work schedules are available, including varying start times and remote work opportunities.

• Review engineering, drainage, and traffic impact studies.
• Coordinating access permits, utility/facility permits, and special movement permits with other internal departments as well as municipalities.
• Prepare educational and training information to present and share with permit consulting engineers, traffic engineers, municipal engineers, and targeted groups.
• Guide junior-level staff as appropriate.
• Working knowledge of modern principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the design and construction of various highway projects.
• Skills in regulatory interpretation and contract development/administration.
• Good knowledge of the principles and practices of program management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as shown by the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others.
• Effective problem-solving and analytical skills for complex engineering issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, supervisors, State and Federal agency representatives, municipality representatives, and members of the public.
• Can work well both individually and as a member of a team.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a major in Civil Engineering, required.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License, supplemented by a satisfactory driving record, required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience, required.
• Possession of a certificate as a Licensed Professional Engineer issued by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, required.

Physical Requirements

• Requires light work involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 20 pounds of force regularly, and moderate dexterity in operating machinery, tools, or office equipment.

Based on education, licensure, and experience,

we have Civil Engineer roles at three levels:

• Civil Engineer
  Grade 10
  Starting at $74,410.79
  Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
• Senior Engineer
  Grade 12
  Starting at $85,193.24
  Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
  + 2 years relevant experience
  + Registration as an Engineer-in-Training under the Illinois Professional Engineering Act
• Principal Engineer
  Grade 14
  Starting at $94,802.51
  Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
  + 6 years relevant experience
  + Licensed Professional Engineer issued by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

All Civil Engineering roles require:

• Working knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving ability for complex engineering issues.
• The ability to work effectively independently and as a member of a team.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License, supplemented by a satisfactory driving record, required.

You can find our full salary ranges for these positions here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/86137/FY26-Salary-Grades

Why Join the Lake County Division of Transportation?

At the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community by helping plan, design, and deliver transportation infrastructure projects that improve mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents and visitors throughout the county.

Benefits of a Career in Local Government:

• Competitive pension and long-term retirement security
• Comprehensive benefits and government retirement programs
• Strong work-life balance with predictable schedules
• Meaningful public service through community-focused infrastructure projects
• Stable employment with opportunities for professional growth and development

To learn more about LCDOT and the work we do, visit:

Lake County Division of Transportation.

To view current and upcoming transportation projects, visit:

Current and Upcoming Projects

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).