Principal Technical Consultant, Civil Engineer

ERM; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

AD&D insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

ERM seeks a Principal Technical Consultant, Civil Engineer to lead complex infrastructure projects across renewable energy, manufacturing, technology, and industrial sectors. You will shape design strategies, align with ESG standards, and drive performance in sustainable infrastructure.

You will mentor early-career engineers, collaborate with senior leaders on project strategy, and ensure high-quality, compliant designs delivered on schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering is required.
• Progressive civil engineering experience (6+ years).
• Experience in site design, grading, drainage, and permitting.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and oversight of site layout, grading, drainage, and infrastructure from concept through construction.
• Develop and review construction drawings, specs, and documents.
• Perform engineering analysis and prepare technical reports.
• Support environmental and compliance work across diverse projects.
• Mentor junior staff and promote technical excellence.

Skills

Site design

Grading

Drainage

Permitting

Analytical skills

Communication

Travel capability

Project collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

PE/FE certification (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD/Civil 3D

Hydraflow

GIS tools

Job description

Step into a leadership role where your technical expertise shapes complex infrastructure projects and your mentorship helps build the next generation of engineers—while driving sustainable impact across some of the world’s most critical industries.

Why This Role Matters

As a Principal Technical Consultant, Civil Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-impact engineering solutions that support sustainability, climate resilience, and ESG priorities. This position goes beyond design—you will influence how major industrial, energy, and manufacturing projects are planned, executed, and improved, while helping grow a high-performing engineering team.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead and contribute to complex, multidisciplinary engineering projects across renewable energy, manufacturing, technology, and industrial sectors
• Drive sustainable and resilient design solutions aligned with evolving ESG standards
• Mentor and guide early-career engineers, strengthening team capability and engagement
• Collaborate with senior leaders to shape project strategy, execution, and client outcomes
• Deliver high-quality, compliant designs that directly support critical infrastructure development and environmental performance

What You'll Bring

• Required Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• 6+ years of progressive civil engineering experience
• Strong experience in site design, grading, drainage, and permitting
• Proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D and related modeling tools (e.g., Hydraflow)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute both independently and within teams
• Strong analytical skills with experience preparing engineering calculations and technical reports
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly
• Knowledge of local codes, permitting, and regulatory requirements
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE or FE certification
• Master's degree or advanced education
• Experience leading or mentoring junior engineering staff
• Background in land development design including utilities, stormwater, and erosion control
• Exposure to renewable energy (solar, wind), data centers, oil & gas, or industrial facilities
• Familiarity with GIS, surveying principles, geotechnical, or remediation projects

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and oversight of site layout, grading, drainage systems, and infrastructure from concept through construction
• Develop and review construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents
• Perform engineering analysis, evaluate field data, and prepare detailed technical reports
• Support environmental and compliance-related engineering work across diverse projects
• Mentor junior staff and promote technical excellence and professional growth
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and quality standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within scope

Compensation

For the Principal Technical Consultant, Civil Engineer position, the anticipated annual base pay is $119,600–$200,300 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible). We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees. Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

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About ERM

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM! #LI-Remote #LI-Hybrid