Senior Principal Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Rinker Design Associates; 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, short-term and long-term -

Paid time off (PTO)

6 federal holidays + 1 floating

Parental leave

Job summary

Rinker Design Associates seeks a Senior Principal Engineer to lead technical excellence, strategic growth, and operational oversight across transportation and infrastructure projects in Virginia. In this senior leadership role you will provide executive direction, serve as Engineer of Record where appropriate, review complex designs, and mentor senior engineers and project managers.

You’ll build lasting public and institutional client relationships, drive proposals, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Proficient with Autodesk Civil 3D software.
• Knowledge of WaterCAD and KYPipe for hydraulic modeling.
• Experience updating and operating AutoCAD software and related tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in edits from PM.
• Ability to interpret complex instructions and manage diverse software.
• Excellent time management with proven deadline delivery.
• 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 where appropriate and ensure compliance with 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 surrounding region.
• Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and interviews for major 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 leadership on growth and integration initiatives with Trilon Group.
• Contribute to planning, financial performance, and resource management.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, markets, and delivery methods.

Skills

Autodesk Civil 3D

WaterCAD

KYPipe

AutoCAD

Attention to detail

Time management

Analytical skills

ISO 9000 basics

Job description

Department: Water/Wastewater

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

• 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?

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.