Principal Engineer

Forsgren Associates

• $150K — $220K *
Real Estate & Construction
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration in California, or ability to secure licensure.
  • 15+ years of civil engineering experience, blending technical and leadership roles.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
  • Proven strategic planning and client development abilities.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of engineers through all project phases from planning to completion.
  • Oversee delivery of projects, focusing on schedules, budgets, and quality.
  • Act as a trusted client partner by proactively addressing needs with engineering solutions.
  • Mentor and develop team members, fostering a collaborative culture.
  • Drive regional growth through business development and strategic networking.
  • Collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives and operational priorities.
  • Implement the business growth plan for the Sacramento office.

Benefits

  • High-impact role in a growing office with regional support.
  • Culture fostering mentorship and opportunities for influence.
  • Flexible schedule promoting work-life balance.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and HSA options.
  • Generous PTO for recharging and maintaining balance.
  • 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
  • Opportunities for growth in a company with strong client retention and expansion.
Full Job Description
This role is eligible for a $20,000 sign-on bonus, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's sign-on bonus program.

What You'll Do:
  • Lead a talented team of engineers and technical professionals delivering infrastructure projects from early planning and design through bidding, construction, and closeout.
  • Oversee project delivery with a focus on schedules, budgets, quality, staffing, and strong communication across clients, consultants, and internal teams.
  • Serve as a trusted partner to clients by understanding their needs, solving problems proactively, and delivering practical, value-driven engineering solutions.
  • Mentor, coach, and develop staff while fostering a collaborative team culture built on quality, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Support regional growth through thoughtful business development, networking, proposal strategy, client presentations, and long-term relationship building.
  • Partner closely with division leadership on strategic planning, client development, operational priorities, and growth initiatives throughout the western U.S.
  • Play a key role in talent development, succession planning, and building a sustainable leadership bench for continued office and regional success.
  • Help refine and execute the Sacramento office's business growth plan, daily operations, and profitability goals while aligning with broader corporate objectives.

What We're Looking For:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration in California, or the ability to obtain California licensure.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Nevada is a plus.
  • 15+ years of progressive civil engineering experience, ideally with a mix of technical delivery, project leadership, client management, and team development.
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex priorities, and build trusted relationships with public- and private-sector clients.
  • Strong project management experience, including proposals, scopes, budgets, schedules, QA/QC, and successful execution of engineering projects.
  • A people-first leadership style with a track record of mentoring staff, supporting career growth, and creating accountability without losing collaboration.
  • Experience with strategic planning, client development, operational oversight, and growing a book of work or regional practice.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong business judgment, and the ability to represent the firm with professionalism and credibility.

Why You'll Love Working Here:
  • A high-impact leadership role in a growing Sacramento office with strong local momentum and regional support.
  • Work alongside experienced leaders in a culture that values growth, mentorship, and giving employees the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of a well-established local practice.
  • Flexible schedule that supports both client service and work-life balance.
  • Medical, dental, vision, and HSA options.
  • Generous PTO to recharge and maintain balance.
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution.
  • A chance to grow with a company recognized for strong client retention, strategic growth, and continued expansion in the AEC industry.

Apex Job Title: Sr Engineering Manager
#LI-EK1

Req ID: 11932

Annual Expected Pay Range

$150,000-$220,000 USD

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