Senior Principal Engineer - Site Civil

Rinker Design Associates; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

401K + Roth

HSA

FSA

Disability insurance

PTO + holidays

Parental leave

Team culture

Job summary

Rinker Design Associates in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer to lead technical excellence, drive strategic growth and oversee operations within the Community Infrastructure practice. This role blends high-level leadership, client engagement, and staff development to help shape regional success, with a $10,000 sign-on bonus.

You will collaborate on land development and infrastructure projects, provide engineering direction, and mentor teams across Virginia and the surrounding

Qualifications

• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil3D for land development design.
• Ability to update, operate and evaluate AutoCAD software and related tools.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure PM-specified edits are accurate.
• Able to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to operate and integrate diverse software applications.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on land development design from concept to construction administration.
• Provide executive-level oversight and technical direction on transport and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as Engineer of Record when applicable and ensure compliance with relevant standards.
• Review and approve engineering designs, calculations, plans, and specifications.
• Act as trusted advisor to key public-sector and institutional clients.
• Maintain and expand long-term client relationships in Virginia and nearby regions.
• Support pursuits, proposals, and interviews for major Site Civil opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior engineers and project managers.

Skills

AutoCAD Civil3D

Time management

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Follow complex instructions

Software proficiency

ISO 9000 familiarity

Tools

AutoCAD software

Job description

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

Department: Community Infrastructure

Location: Blacksburg, VA

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

Description

Position Summary

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.

$10,000 sign-on bonus!

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for the design of land development projects from initial concept through construction administration
• 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 Site Civil 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

• Proficiency in design utilizing AutoCAD Civil3D
• 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?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• 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.