Principal Engineer – Drainage

Full Job Description

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Riley Engineering is a civil engineering firm specializing in water resources. Our mission is to engineer and implement solutions to provide society with water infrastructure. Riley was founded to improve people’s lives by ensuring that all have the necessary civil infrastructure to facilitate socioeconomic well-being. Our employees rally behind that mission and enjoy building the firm from the ground up together—pairing technical expertise with business acumen and a heart for helping others.

Candidate must demonstrate professional experience in an engineering consulting role. Resume must be project-based and include projects the candidate has worked on in the United States. Include: project title, client, location, your role, software you used, and any calculations or analyses you performed. Please do not apply if you do not meet these qualifications.

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER ROLE

We are seeking a talented and motivated Principal Engineer with a passion for drainage engineering projects and a desire to contribute to the broader water resources engineering field. As a key member of our team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water infrastructure projects that empower communities. Our company is on a mission to make a meaningful impact through innovative water solutions, and we are looking for engineers eager to join at the ground level and grow with us.

In this role, you will take on leadership responsibilities, guiding technical direction, approving and sealing engineering deliverables, and collaborating with a team of engineers dedicated to delivering high-quality water resources and civil projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong civil engineering design background with experience in drainage.

The initial expectation of the position is for time to be spent approximately 70% on billable work (engineering design projects) and 30% on business development (bringing in new business). Over time, the percentage of billable work vs. nonbillable work and the nature of work assignments may be adjusted depending on the needs of the firm. Travel for work should be anticipated. Our projects are currently in 3 states (AZ, NM, UT) and PE licensure in those states will be required. The expansion of services and licensure into other states is expected.

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage drainage engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership within the water resources team, including mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Assist in the design, analysis, and implementation of a wide range of water resources projects, from drainage systems to broader infrastructure solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that water resource solutions are innovative, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.
• Stay informed on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in water resources engineering, and integrate these insights into project work and company strategies.
• Work with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to ensure successful project outcomes and compliance with environmental and safety standards.
• Champion a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the engineering team, promoting technical innovation and high standards of work quality.
• Be an integral part of the company’s growth and expansion efforts, contributing to the development of new business opportunities and strategic initiatives.
• Help to streamline engineering processes and develop internal quality controls on design work.

For billable work on projects, the duties and tasks may include (but are not limited to):

• Engineer of Record for the design of drainage infrastructure (e.g., channels, storm drains, berms, retention and detention basins, earthen dams, technical and design reports, etc.).
• Leading design team to complete projects on time and on budget.
• Preparing construction drawings and documentation (i.e., bid documents).
• Preparing technical memoranda and design reports.
• Providing quality assurance and quality control reviews on engineering documentation.
• Serving as a senior technical reviewer.
• Mentoring and teaching junior staff.
• Project management and administrative duties.
• Construction management and administration of design work.
• Field work (site reconnaissance and construction inspections).

For business development, the duties and tasks may include (but are not limited to):

• Preparing and developing a business development strategy plan that outlines executable steps to grow and expand the business.
• Bringing new business and clients to Riley.
• Managing and building client relationships.
• Writing proposals.
• Client management.
• Attending networking events and conferences to build relationships with the goal of bringing in new business.
• Recruiting new employees in line with business development strategy.
• Developing internal business strategies to improve efficiency, lower costs, and increase profits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in civil engineering.
• 15+ years of professional experience in civil engineering.
• Strong expertise in drainage design, stormwater management, and other water infrastructure projects.
• Experience with relevant software (e.g., AutoCAD, Hydraflow, HEC-RAS) and design tools for water resources engineering.
• Proven ability to lead projects, manage teams, and engage with clients and stakeholders effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license in AZ with the ability to obtain licensure in multiple states.

WHAT WE’LL EXPECT FROM YOU

• Full-time commitment (sometimes more than 40 hours per week, depending upon deadlines).
• Live in Tucson, AZ, and work in our office in historic downtown Tucson (not eligible for remote).
• Occasional travel outside of work hours.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

• Opportunities for growth based on your interests, goals, and skills, and on company needs.
• Impact a growing firm; know that your voice will be heard, and your ideas will be considered.
• Your own office.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• 3 weeks of paid time off (PTO) per year, with additional time off with longer tenure.
• Generous health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Optional health savings account plans.
• Optional accident, critical illness, and disability coverage.
• 401(k) with 5% company match.
• Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

BENEFITS

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT-BASED RESUME AND COVER LETTER. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.