Technical Engineering Lead

Res; Annandale (VA); On-site; USD 130,500 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

RES seeks a Technical Engineering Lead with extensive expertise in ecological restoration and water resources design. You will guide complex design decisions, lead QA/QC, and support projects from feasibility to closeout while promoting RES solutions in the Mid-Atlantic.

As a senior team member, you will mentor staff, shape technical standards, and engage stakeholders to advance opportunities toward commercial bookings. A PE license and 15+ years in the field are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer license in applicable state(s).
• 15+ years progressive engineering experience.
• Deep expertise in stream/wetland restoration and stormwater design.
• 3+ years environmental consulting as seller‑doer leading pursuit/delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for engineering design efforts in water resources.
• Lead QA/QC processes to ensure accurate, constructible deliverables.
• Support business development, stakeholder engagement, and client solutions.
• Mentor engineering staff and contribute to technical standards and regulatory practices.
• Oversee or support construction planning, feasibility, and design phases.

Skills

15+ years experience

Water resources engineering

Restoration design

QA/QC leadership

Regulatory coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Overview

At RES, we’re looking for purpose‑driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key – we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you’re intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

Role Summary

RES is seeking a Technical Engineering Lead with deep technical expertise in ecological restoration, stream and wetland design, stormwater design, and construction planning. This senior‑level role is ideal for an experienced Professional Engineer who can serve as a technical subject matter expert, guide complex design decisions, provide QA/QC leadership, and support projects from early feasibility through construction and closeout. The position also plays a vital role in the region’s sales and business development efforts, with responsibility for promoting RES’s solutions across the Mid‑Atlantic, focusing on selling advisory services and design‑build solutions.

Your Day‑to‑Day

In this role, you will provide senior technical leadership for engineering design efforts, with a focus on stream and wetland restoration, stormwater design, hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, and related water resources work. You will serve as a technical design subject matter expert, guiding complex project decisions from early feasibility through design, construction planning, implementation, and closeout. You will lead or support QA/QC processes to ensure engineering deliverables are accurate, complete, constructible, and aligned with RES standards, client expectations, regulatory requirements, and project goals.

This role will play a key part in business development by engaging stakeholders, building consensus, and advancing opportunities toward commercial bookings. As part of RES’s sales process, you will help lead multidisciplinary teams in prospecting, qualifying opportunities, developing client solutions, and submitting winning proposals. You may also support complex negotiations, including procurement strategies, pricing discussions, and design‑build or advisory service solutions.

As a senior member of the team, you will mentor engineering staff, provide technical coaching, delegate work effectively, and contribute strategic input on technical standards, quality practices, regulatory expectations, and opportunities to improve project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineer license in the applicable state or states.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience.
• Deep technical expertise in stream and wetland restoration design, stormwater design, or related water resources engineering.
• Three or more years of environmental consulting experience as a "seller‑doer" responsible for leading the pursuit and delivery of projects.
• Experience leading, implementing, or improving QA/QC processes for engineering deliverables.
• Demonstrated relationships with public agencies and regulators, private developers, consulting and engineering firms, non‑profits, and academia with MD, VA, and KY.
• Working knowledge of Section 401/404 of the Clean Water Act and applicable state and local regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting early‑stage feasibility, concept design, cost considerations, constructability review, and construction planning.
• Experience with construction oversight or hands‑on construction support.
• Experience managing client relationships, contracts, scopes, schedules, budgets, and expectations.
• Experience engaging with regulatory agencies, clients, contractors, landowners, and project stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• PMP certification.
• Experience serving as engineer of record or senior technical reviewer for complex restoration, mitigation, stormwater, or water resources projects.
• Demonstrated ability to develop practical, constructible design solutions for complex field conditions.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary design teams that include engineers, scientists, regulatory specialists, construction professionals, and project managers.

Compensation

Virginia Pay Range (Salary): $130,500 – $152,000 USD