Senior Civil Engineer

Thompson & Litton Inc; Bristol (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson & Litton Inc in Tennessee seeks a Senior Civil Engineer to lead water and wastewater utility projects, directing design from concept through construction and advancing toward a Lead Engineer position.

You will mentor junior engineers, manage project schedules and budgets, ensure compliance with local, state, and federal standards, and coordinate with public-sector clients while developing regulatory permit packages.

Qualifications

• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required with ability to obtain licensure in TN via reciprocity within 6 months of hire
• 6–10 years of progressive civil engineering experience with focus on water/wastewater utility systems
• Hands-on experience with hydraulic modeling software WaterCAD and SewerCAD; AutoCAD familiarity preferred
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering of complex water and wastewater utility projects from concept through construction
• Review plans and calculations for quality, accuracy, constructability and regulatory compliance
• Direct project schedules, budgets, and design staff to ensure on-time delivery
• Oversee permitting packages with local, state, and federal agencies
• Manage construction administration and coordinate with public-sector utility clients

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Client coordination

Mentorship

Technical design

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Tools

WaterCAD

SewerCAD

AutoCAD

Job description

Collaborative Design. Technical Excellence. Community Impact.

Are you an experienced engineering professional looking to lead high-impact public infrastructure projects and step into a primary leadership role? Thompson & Litton (T&L), an established multi-disciplined firm serving both public and private sector clientele, has an immediate opening for a Senior Civil Engineer specializing in water and wastewater utility systems.

This role is designed for a technical expert with clear advancement potential into a Lead Civil Engineer position, taking ownership of regional utility initiatives, guiding project strategy, and mentoring the next generation of engineers across Tennessee.

The Role: Strategic Leadership & Technical Excellence

As a senior engineer on the path to overall team leadership within our civil group, you will direct projects from concept through construction. You will:

• Lead Technical Design: Head the engineering of complex water and wastewater utility projects, including linear utility improvements, pump stations, force mains, and treatment-related infrastructure.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance: Review all engineering plans and calculations for quality, technical accuracy, constructability, and strict compliance with applicable local, state, and federal standards and regulations.
• Manage Project Delivery: Direct project schedules, project budgets, and technical design staff to ensure successful, on-time project execution.
• Navigate Regulatory Permitting: Oversee the preparation and submission of comprehensive permit packages through local, state, and federal agencies.
• Support Construction & Clients: Manage construction administration and field coordination while acting as the primary point of contact for public-sector utility clients.

What You Bring

• Licensure: Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required (with the ability to obtain licensure in TN via reciprocity within 6 months of hire).
• Experience: 6–10 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with a strong focus on water/wastewater utility systems and a desire to grow into a group lead.
• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with hydraulic modeling software, specifically WaterCAD and SewerCAD. Familiarity with AutoCAD is preferred but not required.
• Core Expertise: Demonstrated experience with several of the following:
  • Water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems
  • Force mains and pump stations
  • Utility relocation and rehabilitation projects
  • Water and wastewater treatment-related improvements
  • Public-sector utility client coordination
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering.

Why Tennessee? (Johnson City & Bristol)

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Highlands of East Tennessee, the region offers an exceptional quality of life where professional ambition meets a relaxed mountain lifestyle.

• Unmatched Outdoor Life: Endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating with nearby access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, Boone Lake, and the Tweetsie Trail right in your backyard.
• Stress-Free Commutes: Say goodbye to major gridlock—enjoy shorter, low-congestion daily commutes that give you back precious hours every week.
• Regional Connectivity: Enjoy small-town charm with big-city proximity. Easy driving access to major metropolitan centers like Knoxville, Asheville, and Nashville makes weekend getaways seamless.
• Low Cost of Living: Benefit from Tennessee’s state-income-tax-free status and affordable housing markets, allowing your earnings to stretch further.

The T&L Advantage: Why Join Us?

Joining our team means becoming part of a forward-thinking organization committed to providing an environment where senior professionals can excel, lead, and share directly in the firm’s success.

• Defined Leadership Trajectory: We are intentionally hiring with leadership succession in mind. As you establish your project portfolio, you will have a direct pathway to transition into a Lead Engineer role—taking charge of client relationships, business development initiatives, and team operations.
• Employee Ownership & Long-Term Retirement Value: We are proud to be an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company. When you join T&L, you become an owner. Our ESOP provides team members with a direct ownership stake in the firm's growth—building meaningful long-term financial stability and retirement equity funded entirely by the company's success.
• Mentorship & Team Building: We invest in our people. As you grow into leadership, your capability to mentor junior engineers and shape team culture will be just as valued as your high-level technical expertise.
• Innovative Work Environment: We foster a culture of innovation and collaboration where senior expertise is valued, creative problem-solving is encouraged, and team members work with an owner's mindset.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and strong retirement benefits designed to support you and your family at every stage of life.