Principal Civil Engineer

Position Overview

The Principal Civil Engineer provides strategic leadership for the Civil Engineering department and is responsible for business development, client relationships, technical excellence, and overall project success. This position leads complex residential, commercial, public, and utility infrastructure projects while establishing technical direction, mentoring staff, and advancing the department's long-term growth and profitability. This role collaborates closely with executive leadership to expand market opportunities, strengthen organizational capabilities, and ensure the delivery of high-quality engineering services consistent with LDC, Inc.'s standards.

Reports to: President

Duties and Responsibilities

Business Development and Client Leadership

• Create and execute business development strategies that expand market share and support company growth.
• Identify market opportunities and pursue new business.
• Cultivate long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Lead major pursuits, proposals, interview presentations, and contract negotiations.
• Represent LDC, Inc. within professional organizations and the engineering community.

Leadership and Operations

• Provide strategic leadership for the Civil Engineering department.
• Establish department goals, performance expectations, and operational initiatives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning and business objectives.
• Guide workforce planning, workload management, and resource allocation.
• Develop project fees, scopes of work, and staffing plans for projects of varying complexity to promote successful delivery.
• Mentor engineering staff and support succession planning and the development of future technical and operational leaders.
• Support recruiting initiatives by leveraging professional networks and participating in the identification of qualified candidates.

Technical Leadership

• Direct project execution, establish technical direction, and provide overall engineering oversight.
• Lead preliminary planning, site layout, and engineering strategies that meet client objectives and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop permitting and entitlement strategies and guide clients through complex project approval processes, including appeals when necessary.
• Partner with project managers to resolve significant client, contractual, and technical issues.
• Conduct technical reviews of engineering documents, calculations, reports, correspondence, and recommendations to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Establish QA/QC standards, digital delivery standards, and innovation initiatives while promoting engineering excellence across the department.
• Ensure projects achieve client expectations, financial objectives, and company quality standards.
• Represent LDC, Inc. in key client meetings, public hearings, negotiations, and other project-related forums.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills and Specifications

• Applies advanced engineering knowledge and sound professional judgment to technical and business matters.
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency in applicable engineering software and project management systems.

Attributes

• Takes accountability for responsibilities, commitments, and work quality.
• Maintains attention to detail, organization, and reliable follow-through.
• Manages time effectively to meet deadlines and assigned priorities.
• Adapts effectively to changing priorities and workload demands.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Builds and maintains positive professional relationships with clients, coworkers, and project partners.
• Protects sensitive company, client, employee, and project information and maintains appropriate confidentiality.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and sound business acumen.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• Fifteen (15) or more years of progressively responsible civil engineering and leadership experience.
• Land development experience required.
• Washington State Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering; master's degree preferred.
• Multi-state licensure preferred.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Physical Considerations

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer, printer, copier, and telephone.
• Ability to perform repetitive, fine hand and arm movements associated with computer use and document handling.
• Ability to occasionally travel to project sites, client meetings, and jurisdictional offices.
• Ability to traverse active construction sites while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary + performance-based bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Generous paid time off + paid holidays
• Professional development and career advancement support