Senior Principal Engineer - Site Civil

CME Associates; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

HSA

FSA

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Rinker Design Associates is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer to lead and develop a regional engineering practice in Blacksburg, VA. The role focuses on technical excellence, project leadership, and client engagement, with opportunities to shape regional growth within the Trilon Group.

The candidate will provide executive oversight on complex site civil and infrastructure projects, serve as Engineer of Record where appropriate, and mentor upcoming leaders while expanding client relationships

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required (Virginia or ability to obtain via reciprocity).
• Strong leadership and staff development experience.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for land development design from concept to construction administration.
• Provide executive-level oversight and technical direction on transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as Engineer of Record when appropriate and ensure code compliance and quality.
• Review and approve engineering designs, calculations, plans, and deliverables.
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships across Virginia and the region.
• Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and interviews for major Site Civil projects.
• Mentor senior engineers, project managers, and emerging leaders.

Skills

Engineering Leadership

Client Engagement

Staff Development

Tools

AutoCAD Civil3D

Job description

RDA’s new Blacksburg office offers a unique opportunity for an experienced engineering leader to help build and lead a team while playing an important role in RDA’s continued growth across the region. This position will work closely with and support our established Southwest Virginia offices, providing the opportunity to strengthen relationships, expand capabilities, and help shape the future of RDA in the region. As part of the Trilon family of companies, the role also has access to broader resources, projects, and professional opportunities.

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 RDA’s 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.
• Ability to collaborate across internal departments (such as RDA's survey, structures, and transportation teams) to review and approve complex site layouts, grading plans, and utility master plans.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in Virginia (or the ability to obtain it via reciprocity/comity).

Why Join RDA?

At RDA, you’ll be part of a collaborative team where your work matters and there are opportunities to grow. With 10 offices across Virginia and the broader resources of the Trilon family of companies, you’ll have access to a strong network and opportunities for continued professional growth.

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions and traditional and Roth options
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Generous paid time off
• Eight paid holidays plus one floating holiday
• Paid parental leave

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.

Pay Transparency

The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company’s good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.