Civil Engineering Principal

Overview

Join to apply for the Civil Engineering Principal role at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

At Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (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—driving us to dig deeper, collaborate smarter, and build lasting relationships inside and outside the company.

As a Principal at CEC 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, oversee proposals, budgets, and quality control, and support recruiting and staff development. Senior leadership will work with you to shape your own career path through professional development, mentoring, and involvement in office and corporate initiatives.

• Expert in application of engineering principles and practices
• Ability to utilize knowledge and experience to develop and lead teams
• Growth and development of established and new clients/contacts in the Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Renewables, and Manufacturing sectors
• Participate and lead internal and external client- and professional development–based initiatives
• Lead financial management (AR/WIP) of projects, including discussions with accounting/legal to resolve complex financial issues
• Expert in scope of service and budget (proposal) development, and demonstrated ability to direct projects profitably
• Experience in hiring/recruiting, mentoring, and developing staff members
• Excellent communication skills (speaking and writing) communicating with staff, clients, contractors, and government regulatory officials
• Present at public meetings/hearings with qualifications sufficient to provide expert testimony
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience working across teams and with external stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to mentoring junior staff

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

Third Party Recruiters:
If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or been contractually engaged for a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited. Any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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.

Seniority Level: Director |

Employment Type:

Full‑time | Job Function:
Education and Training | Industries:
Civil Engineering

Knoxville, TN – 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.