Senior Civil Engineer

ESPO Corporation; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 82,656 - 130,872; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Group Health and Dental Insurance

401(k)

Job summary

A civil engineering firm located in Chesapeake, VA, is looking for a Senior Civil Engineer for a contract-to-hire role. This position involves leading civil design and engineering activities for waterfront and heavy civil infrastructure projects, ensuring project success from concept through construction. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, 7+ years of experience, and proficiency in design tools like AutoCAD and Civil 3D. A PE license is preferred. Competitive pay and benefits included.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of civil engineering experience required.
• Experience with BIM and hydraulic analysis programs is a plus.
• Ability to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil design and engineering activities for diverse infrastructure projects.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Proficiency in engineering design tools

Strong communication skills

Leadership abilities

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Civil 3D

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Civil Engineer

Location: Chesapeake, VA

Duration: Contract-to-hire

Base pay range: $60.00/hr - $95.00/hr

Our client in Chesapeake, VA, is seeking an experienced Senior Civil Engineer for a contract‑to‑hire opportunity. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives on delivering complex heavy civil and maritime projects, mentoring project teams, and partnering directly with clients to develop critical infrastructure. The Senior Civil Engineer will lead multidisciplinary project teams from concept through construction, ensuring technical accuracy, adherence to budget and schedule, and exceptional client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil design and engineering activities for a wide range of waterfront, port, and heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Deliver projects including port utilities, roadway infrastructure, site development, and stormwater management systems.
• Oversee the full project lifecycle—conceptual design, detailed engineering, construction support, quality reviews, and final deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership, direction, and mentorship to junior staff and multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Translate complex engineering concepts to clients and stakeholders in a clear, concise manner.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources; assist in oversight of sub‑consultants.
• Implement innovative design solutions and apply lessons learned to support project efficiency and client success.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, shipyards, and commercial partners.
• Support business development activities when necessary, including participating in trade organizations and regional industry groups.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally within local and national engineering teams to execute project objectives.
• Ensure all work meets safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (ABET accredited) and 7+ years of civil engineering experience; EPC project experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil or related engineering technology (ABET accredited) plus FE completion and 7+ years of civil engineering experience.
• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and 6+ years of civil engineering experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Proficiency in engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office; experience with BIM, hydraulic/hydrologic, pavement, or civil analysis programs is a plus.
• Strong communication (written and verbal), presentation, and client‑facing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering efforts, delegate tasks, and resolve issues collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform technical quality reviews for engineering documents and specifications.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Solid understanding of engineering design guides, standards, and best practices.

ESPO Corporation has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401(k) after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.