Principal Engineer – Tampa, FL

Black & White Engineering; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Black & White Engineering in Tampa, FL seeks an experienced Principal Engineer to own complex MEP projects and lead technical delivery. You will work directly with clients, guiding design from initial specification through completion, and manage budgets and schedules.

You’ll mentor engineering colleagues, build team capability, and help grow the business by pursuing new opportunities. A PE license and 8+ years of MEP experience are preferred, with a clear path toward Associate Director and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and PE license preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in complex MEP design.
• Experience with AutoCAD, NES or Cymap is required.
• Strong knowledge of codes, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication across teams and clients.
• US work authorization without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical ownership and client-facing leadership across projects.
• Direct design and contract management for MEP disciplines.
• Maintain design quality, specifications, drawings and contract docs.
• Manage budgets, schedule changes and change control processes.
• Mentor colleagues and develop team capabilities.
• Identify new opportunities and support business growth.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Client relationships

Regulatory knowledge

Technical leadership

US work authorization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

8+ years MEP design experience

Tools

AutoCAD

NES

Cymap

Job description

Are you an experienced MEP engineer ready to take ownership of complex, mission critical projects? Then this role is for you.

As Principal Engineer based in our Tampa office in Florida, you will lead technical delivery across critical buildings and infrastructure, working directly with clients while building the next stage of your career with a fast growing global team.

What’s in it for you?

Technical ownership and client impact

You will manage client relationships directly, providing expert technical, design and contract management support across mechanical and electrical disciplines. Your work will shape how projects are delivered, from first specification through to completion.

Quality and design leadership

You will maintain technical quality across every project, ensuring designs meet relevant codes, standards and regulations. You will compile specifications, drawings and contract documents, setting the standard for accuracy across your team.

Commercial and delivery responsibility

You will produce project budgets, monitor spend and manage scope and schedule changes through the Change Control Process. This gives you genuine ownership over how projects are planned, controlled and delivered.

Mentoring and team development

You will mentor technical colleagues and support project delivery across the wider team. Where you hold direct line leadership, you will manage and develop team members, building capability across the business.

Business growth and new opportunities

You will contribute to the growth of the company by identifying new opportunities and maintaining strong client relationships. This role offers visibility beyond technical delivery, into how the business grows and wins new work.

You will work alongside other Principal Engineers to ensure timely, quality delivery for clients, gaining exposure to a wide range of projects and building a clear path toward Associate Director and Technical Director roles.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BS or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or working toward licensure.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in complex MEP design across a range of building types.
• Experience with relevant design software, such as AutoCAD, NES or Cymap.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable legal and regulatory requirements, codes and standards.
• High level of technical skill, with the ability to communicate clearly across teams and clients.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

You will also join a community that focuses on learning and development, through regular knowledge sharing sessions and investment in accredited professional courses. You can set the pace for your own development, and whatever path you choose, you will receive the right support.

About Black & White Engineering

Black & White Engineering is a multi-award-winning engineering consultancy with more than 1,300 employees across the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America.

We specialise in the full spectrum of engineering design consultancy for the data centre sector, including Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP), Civil & Structural, Design Management, Sustainability, BIM, Power Systems and other infrastructure-related services.

Our engineering approach is grounded in practicality, technical excellence and operational efficiency. With rapid growth across regions, many colleagues have progressed from engineering roles into leadership positions — your future development is supported and recognised.

Black & White Engineering is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable local/state/federal law. We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request an accommodation, [e-mail] .

This job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will nature of employment with Black & White Engineering.