Principal Civil Engineer

VennTerra is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to lead the design and execution of complex land development and infrastructure projects from concept through construction in Graham, North Carolina. The role serves as Engineer of Record, sets technical direction, and includes mentoring and hands-on design involvement to ensure deliverables meet regulatory, constructability, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform advanced design of water distribution and sanitary sewer systems
• Lead and perform advanced design of stormwater management and drainage systems
• Lead and perform advanced design of roadway and site layout/grading for land development projects
• Serve as Engineer of Record, responsible for sealing plans, reports, and calculations
• Develop and review hydrologic and hydraulic models, utility designs, and grading plans
• Solve complex site constraints, utility conflicts, and regulatory challenges
• Prepare and review detailed engineering reports, specifications, calculations, set construction stakeout, and coordinate with survey crews
• Lead technical coordination and approvals with NCDEQ (water/sewer extensions, stormwater)
• Lead technical coordination and approvals with NCDOT (encroachments, roadway design)
• Lead technical coordination and approvals with Local jurisdictions and municipalities
• Interpret and apply North Carolina design standards, ordinances, and regulatory requirements
• Provide strategic direction to navigate challenging permitting issues
• Perform high-level QA/QC reviews on design plans, calculations, and reports
• Establish and refine engineering design standards, details, and best practices
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and constructability across all deliverables
• Assist with technical review and guidance on projects led by other engineers as needed
• Mentor and develop EITs and mid-level engineers in design practices and problem-solving
• Provide technical training and guidance in tools such as Autodesk Civil 3D
• Foster a strong technical culture focused on quality and continuous improvement
• Provide technical support during construction, including: Review of RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings
• Resolution of field design issues and unforeseen conditions
• Conduct site visits to verify design intent and address construction challenges
• Review as-built drawings and support project certification

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or related field)
• 12+ years of progressive experience in land development and infrastructure design
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina
• Proven experience serving as Engineer of Record on complex projects
• High level of proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D and standard engineering software
• Advanced expertise in civil/site design, including grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure
• Strong working knowledge of hydrology and hydraulics principles and modeling
• Deep familiarity with North Carolina permitting processes and regulatory agencies
• Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D and related design tools
• Strong understanding of construction methods and plan constructability
• Ability to independently lead complex design efforts from concept through construction
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Effective communicator capable of explaining technical concepts to clients and agencies

Technologies

• Autodesk Civil 3D
• drone-based surveying
• RTK ground surveying
• GIS platforms

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Technical Leadership Without Bureaucracy
• People Centric Work Environment
• Challenging & Diverse Projects
• Career Growth & Influence
• Professional Development
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Advanced Field & Survey Technology
• Modern Tools & Technology
• Access to industry-leading design tools, including Autodesk Civil 3D, GIS platforms, and other advanced engineering software

Physical requirements & working conditions

Primarily onsite, office-based with periodic field visits to active construction sites. Ability to navigate construction sites and perform site observations. Frequent computer use for design, modeling, and documentation. Work performed in both office and outdoor environments.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay

USD 150,000 - 180,000 per year

Work Location

Onsite in Graham, North Carolina