Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Big Stone Gap

Description

The Lane Group is a Virginia-based engineering consulting firm with a strong legacy of providing specialized consulting and infrastructure engineering services to public-sector clients. The firm is known for delivering technically complex projects through hands-on leadership, rigorous quality control, and long-standing relationships with state and local agencies. The Lane Group's senior leaders are deeply engaged in project execution, client coordination, and mentoring technical staff, ensuring consistency, accountability, and high-quality outcomes across its portfolio.

The Lane Group is now proudly part of Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA), a well-established Virginia civil engineering firm with more than four decades of experience supporting transportation, infrastructure, and public works projects throughout the Commonwealth. RDA operates as a subsidiary of Trilon Group, a national family of infrastructure consulting firms focused on transportation, water, utilities, and community development. This partnership allows The Lane Group to maintain its strong local identity and leadership-driven culture while benefiting from expanded technical resources, regional collaboration, and long-term organizational stability.

The Senior Principal Engineer is a senior leadership role responsible for technical excellence, strategic growth, and operational oversight within The Lane Group's engineering practice. This position combines high-level project leadership, client engagement, staff development, and business development, serving as a key contributor to both regional success and long-term organizational strategy.

?$10,000 sign-on bonus!?
?Hybrid flexibility!?

What You'll Do
Provide executive-level oversight and technical direction on complex transportation and infrastructure projects.
Serve as Engineer of Record as appropriate and ensure adherence to applicable state, federal, and industry standards.
Review and approve engineering designs, calculations, plans, specifications, and deliverables.
Act as a trusted advisor to key public-sector and institutional clients.
Maintain and expand long-term client relationships throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.
Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and interviews for major project opportunities.
Lead, mentor, and develop senior engineers, project managers, and emerging leaders.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
Support succession planning and workforce development initiatives.
Collaborate with Rinker Design Associates and Trilon Group leadership on growth initiatives and integration efforts.
Contribute to operational planning, financial performance, and resource management.
Identify opportunities to expand services, markets, and delivery methods.

What You'll Need
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of graphic designing is very essential utilizing the latest version of
Autodesk/Civil 3D
Knowledge of hydraulic modeling software, WaterCAD and KYPipe.
Skill in updating, maintaining, operating and evaluating all AutoCAD software and related equipment
Strong attention to detail, ensuring edits requested by project manager are accurate
Able to fully understand and follow complex oral and written instructions
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Skills to operate basic office equipment like printers, computer terminals, facsimile machines, copy machines and telephone systems
Ability to operate, access, and maintain diverse software applications
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Basic understanding of ISO 9000 design requirements.

Benefits & Culture Highlights

At RDA, you're more than just an engineer, you're a valued part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that invests in your growth and celebrates your success.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with Roth options and company match
HSA & FSA options
Life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage
Generous PTO and 8 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
Mentorship and advancement opportunities
Supportive team culture

RDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applicants that require an employment visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered.