Principal Technical Consultant, Civil Engineer

ERM; Madison (WI); On-site; 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) or RRSP/DPSP

Job summary

ERM in Madison, WI seeks a Principal Technical Consultant, Civil Engineer to lead site design, drainage, and infrastructure from concept to construction. You will mentor early-career engineers and shape project strategy for sustainability and ESG goals.

The role requires a Civil Engineering degree, 6+ years of experience, proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D and Hydraflow, and a valid driver's license for travel across client sites. It offers a comprehensive benefits package and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 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 ability to operate a company vehicle due to travel across a large area

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

Skills

Site design

Grading

Drainage

Permitting

AutoCAD/Civil 3D

Hydraflow

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

PE or FE preferred

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD/Civil 3D

Hydraflow

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

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

• 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

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.

Who We Are

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. 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.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!