Senior Civil Engineer

Collaborative Design. Technical Excellence. Community Impact.

Are you an experienced engineering professional looking to lead high-impact public infrastructure projects and step into a primary leadership role? Thompson & Litton (T&L) , an established multi-disciplined firm serving both public and private sector clientele, has an immediate opening for a Senior Civil Engineer specializing in water and wastewater utility systems.

This role is designed for a technical expert with clear advancement potential into a Lead Civil Engineer position , taking ownership of regional utility initiatives, guiding project strategy, and mentoring the next generation of engineers across Tennessee.

The Role: Strategic Leadership & Technical Excellence

As a senior engineer on the path to overall team leadership within our civil group, you will direct projects from concept through construction. You will:

• Lead Technical Design: Head the engineering of complex water and wastewater utility projects, including linear utility improvements, pump stations, force mains, and treatment-related infrastructure.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance: Review all engineering plans and calculations for quality, technical accuracy, constructability, and strict compliance with applicable local, state, and federal standards and regulations.
• Manage Project Delivery: Direct project schedules, project budgets, and technical design staff to ensure successful, on-time project execution.
• Navigate Regulatory Permitting: Oversee the preparation and submission of comprehensive permit packages through local, state, and federal agencies.
• Support Construction & Clients: Manage construction administration and field coordination while acting as the primary point of contact for public-sector utility clients.

What You Bring

• Licensure: Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required (with the ability to obtain licensure in TN via reciprocity within 6 months of hire).
• Experience: 6–10 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with a strong focus on water/wastewater utility systems and a desire to grow into a group lead.
• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with hydraulic modeling software, specifically WaterCAD and SewerCAD. Familiarity with AutoCAD is preferred but not required.
• Core Expertise: Demonstrated experience with several of the following:
  • Water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems
  • Force mains and pump stations
  • Utility relocation and rehabilitation projects
  • Water and wastewater treatment-related improvements
  • Public-sector utility client coordination
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering.

Why Tennessee? (Johnson City & Bristol)

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Highlands of East Tennessee, the region offers an exceptional quality of life where professional ambition meets a relaxed mountain lifestyle.

• Unmatched Outdoor Life: Endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating with nearby access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, Boone Lake, and the Tweetsie Trail right in your backyard.
• Stress-Free Commutes: Say goodbye to major gridlock—enjoy shorter, low-congestion daily commutes that give you back precious hours every week.
• Regional Connectivity: Enjoy small-town charm with big-city proximity. Easy driving access to major metropolitan centers like Knoxville, Asheville, and Nashville makes weekend getaways seamless.
• Low Cost of Living: Benefit from Tennessee's state-income-tax-free status and affordable housing markets, allowing your earnings to stretch further.

The T&L Advantage: Why Join Us?

Joining our team means becoming part of a forward-thinking organization committed to providing an environment where senior professionals can excel, lead, and share directly in the firm's success.

• Defined Leadership Trajectory: We are intentionally hiring with leadership succession in mind. As you establish your project portfolio, you will have a direct pathway to transition into a Lead Engineer  role—taking charge of client relationships, business development initiatives, and team operations.
• Employee Ownership & Long-Term Retirement Value: We are proud to be an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company. When you join T&L, you become an owner. Our ESOP provides team members with a direct ownership stake in the firm's growth—building meaningful long-term financial stability and retirement equity funded entirely by the company's success.
• Mentorship & Team Building: We invest in our people. As you grow into leadership, your capability to mentor junior engineers and shape team culture will be just as valued as your high-level technical expertise.
• Innovative Work Environment: We foster a culture of innovation and collaboration where senior expertise is valued, creative problem-solving is encouraged, and team members work with an owner's mindset.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and strong retirement benefits designed to support you and your family at every stage of life.