Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required, with Tennessee reciprocity eligibility within 6 months of hire.
6-10 years of civil engineering experience focused on water/wastewater utilities and group leadership aspirations.
Hands-on experience with hydraulic modeling software (WaterCAD, SewerCAD) preferred; AutoCAD experience is a plus.
Demonstrated expertise in water distribution/sanitary sewer systems, pump stations, utility relocations, and treatment improvements.
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
Responsibilities
Lead engineering design for complex water and wastewater utility projects.
Review engineering plans for quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
Direct project schedules, budgets, and technical staff for timely project delivery.
Oversee preparation and submission of permit packages to regulatory agencies.
Manage construction administration and maintain client communication.
Benefits
Access to unmatched outdoor activities, including hiking and boating.
Short, stress-free commutes with low congestion.
Small-town charm with easy access to major cities.
State-income-tax-free living and affordable housing options.
Full Job Description
Are you an experienced engineering professional looking to lead high-impact public infrastructure projects and step into a primary leadership role? Thompson & Litton (T&L), an established multi-disciplined firm serving both public and private sector clientele, has an immediate opening for a Senior Civil Engineer specializing in water and wastewater utility systems.
This role is designed for a technical expert with clear advancement potential into a Lead Civil Engineer position, taking ownership of regional utility initiatives, guiding project strategy, and mentoring the next generation of engineers across Tennessee. The Role: Strategic Leadership & Technical Excellence
As a senior engineer on the path to overall team leadership within our civil group, you will direct projects from concept through construction. You will:
Lead Technical Design: Head the engineering of complex water and wastewater utility projects, including linear utility improvements, pump stations, force mains, and treatment-related infrastructure.
Ensure Quality & Compliance: Review all engineering plans and calculations for quality, technical accuracy, constructability, and strict compliance with applicable local, state, and federal standards and regulations.
Manage Project Delivery: Direct project schedules, project budgets, and technical design staff to ensure successful, on-time project execution.
Navigate Regulatory Permitting: Oversee the preparation and submission of comprehensive permit packages through local, state, and federal agencies.
Support Construction & Clients: Manage construction administration and field coordination while acting as the primary point of contact for public-sector utility clients.
What You Bring
Licensure: Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required (with the ability to obtain licensure in TN via reciprocity within 6 months of hire).
Experience: 6-10 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with a strong focus on water/wastewater utility systems and a desire to grow into a group lead.
Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with hydraulic modeling software, specifically WaterCAD and SewerCAD. Familiarity with AutoCAD is preferred but not required.
Core Expertise: Demonstrated experience with several of the following:
Water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems
Force mains and pump stations
Utility relocation and rehabilitation projects
Water and wastewater treatment-related improvements
Public-sector utility client coordination
Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
Why Tennessee? (Johnson City & Bristol)
Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Highlands of East Tennessee, the region offers an exceptional quality of life where professional ambition meets a relaxed mountain lifestyle.
Unmatched Outdoor Life: Endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating with nearby access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, Boone Lake, and the Tweetsie Trail right in your backyard.
Stress-Free Commutes: Say goodbye to major gridlock-enjoy shorter, low-congestion daily commutes that give you back precious hours every week.
Regional Connectivity: Enjoy small-town charm with big-city proximity. Easy driving access to major metropolitan centers like Knoxville, Asheville, and Nashville makes weekend getaways seamless.
Low Cost of Living: Benefit from Tennessee's state-income-tax-free status and affordable housing markets, allowing your earnings to stretch further.
