Senior Principal Engineer - Water / Wastewater

Mannik Smith Group; Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer/$

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

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rinker Design Associates in Blacksburg, VA, seeks a Senior Principal Engineer to lead water/wastewater initiatives, directing technical direction and staff development across regional offices. The role emphasizes client engagement and strategic growth within the Trilon Group.

As Engineer of Record when needed, you will ensure compliance with state and federal standards, review complex designs, and mentor engineers while expanding long-term relationships throughout Virginia.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

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, specifications, and deliverables.
• Mentor senior engineers, project managers, and emerging leaders.
• Develop and expand long-term client relationships in Virginia and the region.

Skills

Autodesk Civil 3D

AutoCAD

WaterCAD

KYPipe

Attention to detail

Time management

Analytical thinking

Job description

Senior Principal Engineer - Water / Wastewater

Department: Water/Wastewater

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Blacksburg, VA

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

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:

• 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.

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.