Principal Engineer

Principal EngineerWe are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to lead the delivery and growth of stormwater and flood risk services across New Jersey, New York and Eastern Pennsylvania. This role focuses on solving complex flooding, drainage, and resilience challenges for municipal, utility, and infrastructure clients.The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in hydrology, hydraulics and NJ regulatory processes. Extensive experience navigating regional regulatory frameworks, and a proven track record delivering large-scale stormwater and flood mitigation is preferred. This individual will act as a technical leader, client advisor, and mentor, driving high-quality project delivery and supporting strategic growth.Key Responsibilities:Lead delivery of stormwater management, flood control, and drainage infrastructure projects, including pump stations, storage systems, and conveyance networksExperience with H&H modeling using industry standard tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, XP-SWMM, InfoWorks ICM, SWMM, and related platformsDirect floodplain analysis, watershed studies, and hydraulic system modeling across urban and riverine environmentsLead permitting and compliance efforts, including:NJDEP Flood Hazard Area (NJAC 7:13)NJ Stormwater Rules (NJAC 7:8)Understanding of NYSDEC and PADEP regulatory processes preferredFEMA/NFIP coordination and floodplain considerationsServe as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and stakeholders (NJDEP, FEMA, USACE, local authorities)Deliver complex programs such as:Flood mitigation and resilience projects (e.g., floodwalls, pump stations, drainage upgrades)Review and approve engineering designs, reports, specifications, and cost estimatesLead project execution, managing scope, schedule, budget, and riskDevelop innovative, climate-resilient solutions, incorporating future rainfall and flood conditionsSupport business development through client engagement, proposals, and market growth initiativesMentor and develop staff, strengthening capability in stormwater, modeling, and flood risk disciplinesCandidate Qualifications & Experience:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources EngineeringLicensed Professional Engineer (PE) (NJ required, NY, or PA preferred)Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) preferred15+ years of experience in stormwater, drainage, CSO and flood risk engineeringAdvanced experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling across complex systemsStrong background in:Floodplain and floodway analysisStormwater management design (BMPs, green infrastructure, subsurface systems)Large-scale sewer and drainage network modelingDelivery of major infrastructure and resilience projects, such as:Flood mitigation and post storm recovery programs (including FEMA-funded projects)Urban drainage and transportation-related stormwater systemsDeep understanding of NJDEP, NYSDEC, and PADEP requirementsExperience navigating multi-agency permitting and approvalsFamiliarity with FEMA floodplain management and funding requirementsProven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary projectsStrong client-facing skills with public-sector stakeholdersAbility to solve complex, non-routine engineering problemsExperience mentoring and developing engineering teamsWillingness to travel to project sites and attend key meetings as required as neededBenefits & RewardAt Mott MacDonald, our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing them with a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. We provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term/long-term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company paid life insurance.Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.The expected salary for this position is $145,000 - $177,000.Collaboration at Our Core At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we're together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet client, team, and personal commitments.Equal opportunity is the law.We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.English versionSpanish versionChinese version