Principal Engineer- Project Manager

ZipRecruiter; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company based in Fairfax County is seeking a Principal Engineer - Construction Project Manager with extensive experience in overseeing complex building design and infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams and manage all phases of project lifecycles while ensuring compliance and quality standards. This senior leadership role requires strong communication, leadership skills, and a valid PE license, alongside a commitment to safety and emergency response duties.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in complex construction or engineering project management.
• Experience managing MEP+ systems in public or commercial buildings.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and multimillion-dollar projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise engineering teams and project delivery.
• Oversee design, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder coordination.
• Serve as the technical expert for critical infrastructure projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

PE license (VA or transferable)

Job description

Job Title: Principal Engineer - Construction Project Manager – Fairfax County FMD

Location: Fairfax, VA
Salary Range: $95,668 – $159,449 annually ($44-76/hour DOE)
Application Deadline: July 11, 2025

Overview:
This senior leadership role oversees complex, high-impact building design and infrastructure projects, primarily involving occupied, critical public facilities. The position leads a multidisciplinary team of licensed engineers (mechanical, electrical, structural) and manages the full project lifecycle from planning through construction and handover.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise engineering teams and project delivery.
• Oversee design, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder coordination.
• Serve as the technical expert for critical infrastructure projects.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
• Present to boards, commissions, and executive leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• PE license (VA or transferable within 6 months).
• 6+ years of experience in complex construction or engineering project management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Additional Qualifications:

• 10+ years in engineering/design with 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience managing MEP+ systems in public or commercial buildings.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and multimillion-dollar projects.

Special Notes:

• This is an essential personnel role with emergency response duties.
• Physical ability to inspect construction sites is required.

Zing Recruiting, a leader in staffing for the past 33 years, is committed to safety, health, and well-being of our associates, clients, and communities. We are an EEOE, M/F/D/V organization, and we encourage individuals with disabilities to apply. We provide accommodations as needed.