Principal Civil Engineer (Hybrid) - Woodinville, WA
Principal Civil Engineer | Woodinville, WA
About the Company
A well-regarded Pacific Northwest civil engineering firm with over two decades of experience in land development is looking to add a principal-level leader to its Woodinville team. The firm has built a strong regional reputation across residential, commercial, public, and utility infrastructure projects and operates with a culture that gives senior staff real autonomy, direct client ownership, and a meaningful role in shaping company growth.
The Role
A strategic leadership position combining technical oversight, department management, and active business development. You'll provide direction for the entire civil engineering department, lead complex projects, cultivate client relationships, and work directly alongside executive leadership to drive long-term growth and profitability.
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 the firm within professional organizations and the broader 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
- Mentor engineering staff and support succession planning and development of future leaders
Technical Leadership
- Direct project execution, establish technical direction, and provide overall engineering oversight
- Lead preliminary planning, site layout, and engineering strategies across complex projects
- Develop permitting and entitlement strategies and guide clients through complex approval processes
- Establish QA/QC standards, digital delivery standards, and innovation initiatives
- Conduct technical reviews of engineering documents, calculations, and reports
- Represent the firm in key client meetings, public hearings, and negotiations
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (Master's preferred)
- Washington State PE license
- 15+ years of progressively responsible civil engineering and leadership experience
- Land development experience required
- Advanced proficiency in applicable engineering software and project management systems
- Valid Washington State driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
- Multi-state PE licensure
- Established client relationships in the Pacific Northwest market
- Proven track record in business development and practice growth
- Experience mentoring and building high-performing engineering teams
Why This Role Stands Out
- Direct collaboration with executive leadership on firm strategy and growth
- Real autonomy over projects, teams, and client relationships
- Opportunity to build and shape a high-performing civil engineering department
- Clear influence over the firm's long-term direction and market position
- A firm that rewards accountability, technical excellence, and long-term thinking
Compensation
- $155,000 to $215,000 depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus
- 401(k) with employer match, medical/dental/vision, generous PTO, and professional development support
Interested?
This role is being managed confidentially. To learn more or express interest, reach out directly to Luke Merickel
FAQs
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