Civil Engineer - Principal

Civil & Environmental Consultants • Knoxville, TN

14h

About The Position

As a Civil Engineering Principal for Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) in our Knoxville, TN office, you’ll partner with senior leadership to grow the Civil/Site Practice, strengthen client relationships, and guide stakeholders through the regulatory environment while ensuring technical excellence. You’ll lead and mentor a team of engineers and project managers, oversee proposals, budgets, and quality control, and support recruiting and staff development. At the same time, senior leadership will work with you to shape your own career path through targeted professional development, mentoring, and involvement in office and corporate initiatives. At CEC, every team member is personally invested in serving our clients with integrity, delivering results that matter, and growing meaningful careers. As employee-owners, we’re accountable not just for our work, but for creating an environment that supports and challenges one another. Our people are our priority — and that’s what drives us to dig deeper, collaborate smarter, and build lasting relationships inside and outside of our company. Our Knoxville office, located in the heart of East Tennessee, is home to a dynamic and collaborative team of professionals. Nestled near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. The city boasts excellent schools and a thriving downtown with restaurants, entertainment, and outdoor spaces. Whether you're exploring the nearby national park, enjoying a University of Tennessee game, or connecting with a supportive professional network, Knoxville is a great place to live, work, and grow.

Requirements

• 15+ years’ experience; or a relevant combination of experience and education
• B.S./M.S. in Civil Engineering (or related field) and MBA (plus)
• Professional Engineer licensure (P.E.), with registration in Tennessee or ability to obtain

Nice To Haves

• Additional professional certifications (CPESC, CFM, PMP, etc.) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced engineering principles and practices to manage complex projects.
• Develop, lead, and mentor teams of engineers and project managers to achieve technical and professional excellence.
• Grow and develop established and new clients in the Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Renewables, and Manufacturing sectors.
• Participate in and lead internal and external client- and professional-development initiatives.
• Lead financial management of projects (AR/WIP), including resolving complex accounting or legal issues.
• Develop scopes of service and project budgets (proposals) and direct projects profitably.
• Hire, recruit, mentor, and develop staff members to support career growth and office capabilities.
• Communicate effectively with staff, clients, contractors, and regulatory officials, both verbally and in writing.
• Present at public meetings and hearings with qualifications sufficient to provide expert testimony.
• Demonstrate leadership and commitment to mentoring junior staff while fostering a collaborative team culture.

Benefits

• CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees