Senior Principal Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Trilon Group; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401K Retirement Plan; Roth

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life, AD&D, disability insurance

Generous PTO and holidays

Parental leave

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Mannik Smith Group in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer to lead technical direction and project oversight for transportation/infrastructure initiatives.

You will drive client engagement, mentor staff, and contribute to organizational strategy while maintaining compliance with applicable standards and quality procedures.

Qualifications

• Graphic design knowledge using Autodesk Civil 3D (latest version) is essential.
• Knowledge of hydraulic modeling software is a plus: WaterCAD and KYPipe.
• Skill in updating, maintaining, operating and evaluating all AutoCAD software and related equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions.
• Ability to operate, access, and maintain diverse software applications.
• Excellent time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Basic understanding of ISO 9000 design requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level oversight and technical direction on complex transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as Engineer of Record and ensure adherence to standards.
• Review and approve designs, calculations, plans, specs, and deliverables.
• Advise key public-sector and institutional clients as a trusted advisor.
• Maintain and expand long-term client relationships in Virginia and nearby regions.
• Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and interviews for major projects.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior engineers and emerging leaders.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Support succession planning and workforce development initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership on growth and integration efforts.
• Contribute to operational planning, financial performance, and resource management.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, markets, and delivery methods.

Skills

Graphic design

Hydraulic modeling

AutoCAD

Time management

Analytical skills

Problem solving

ISO 9000 knowledge

Tools

Autodesk Civil 3D

WaterCAD

KYPipe

AutoCAD

Job description

Senior Principal Engineer

Department: Water/Wastewater

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Compensation: $150,000 - $180,000 / year

Description

The Senior Principal Engineer is a senior leadership role responsible for technical excellence, strategic growth, and operational oversight within Rinker Design Associates engineering practice. This position combines high-level project leadership, client engagement, and staff development, serving as a key contributor to both regional success and long‑term organizational strategy.

What You’ll Do

• Provide executive-level oversight and technical direction on complex transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as Engineer of Record as appropriate and ensure adherence to applicable state, federal, and industry standards.
• Review and approve engineering designs, calculations, plans, specifications, and deliverables.
• Act as a trusted advisor to key public‑sector and institutional clients.
• Maintain and expand long‑term client relationships throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.
• Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and interviews for major project opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior engineers, project managers, and emerging leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Support succession planning and workforce development initiatives.
• Collaborate with Rinker Design Associates and Trilon Group leadership on growth initiatives and integration efforts.
• Contribute to operational planning, financial performance, and resource management.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, markets, and delivery methods.

What You’ll Need

• Knowledge of graphic designing is very essential utilizing the latest version of Autodesk/Civil 3D.
• Knowledge of hydraulic modeling software is a plus: WaterCAD and KYPipe.
• Skill in updating, maintaining, operating and evaluating all AutoCAD software and related equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring edits requested by project manager are accurate.
• Able to fully understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to operate, access, and maintain diverse software applications.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Basic understanding of ISO 9000 design requirements.

Why Join RDA?

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan; Roth Contributions
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability
• Generous PTO and 8 federal holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Parental leave
• Supportive team culture

RDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug‑free workplace.

Applicants that require an employment visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered.