Principal Engineer

Salary: $84,488.00 - $128,845.00 Annually
Location : Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00663
Department: Utilities
Opening Date: 03/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Minimum Qualifications

Who We Are
The Chesterfield County Department of Utilities is a public water and wastewater utility that uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver the highest quality service to its more than 117,000 water customers and 100,000 wastewater customers. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference in the community by meeting or exceeding water quality standards while also protecting the James River and Chesapeake Bay. We pride ourselves in being fiscally fit, being one of only a handful of water and wastewater utilities nationwide to have achieved AAA ratings on its revenue bonds from each of the three top ratings services.

What You Do and How You Do It
This Principal Engineer will serve as a manager within the Development Section of the Department of Utilities. The position is responsible for managing a team of Senior Engineers and Senior Engineering Assistants in all facets of utility engineering needed to support community development within the county. This includes plan review, permit review, cross-connection control and backflow prevention, capital project management, facilities master planning, and system modeling.

In this position you will:

• Represent the county as part of a project team to manage impacts to the utilities systems associated with land development proposals in close coordination with the county's Economic Development, Planning, Environmental Engineering, CDOT, and Building Inspector's Office.
• Evaluate and make recommendations for improvement to the water distribution and wastewater collection systems using engineering analysis, field data, and standard engineering practices.
• Prepare and review monthly reports, drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and contracts.
  Interact with the public and collaborate with other agencies, consulting firms, internal and external customers.
• Host or attend meetings and presentations with diverse groups of internal and external customers pertaining to the design and construction of the public water and wastewater systems.
• Supervise a team of senior engineers and senior engineering assistant providing the training, guidance, and responsibility for reaching the departments goals and expectations for project completion.
• Perform other work as required.

Here's What You Need
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field; five years of engineering experience in water or wastewater systems; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Professional Engineer (PE) designation with water modeling, project management, and supervisory experience strongly preferred.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter, possess a strong technical aptitude, and have excellent technical writing and oral communication skills. Additionally, the candidate must have proficient knowledge of water and wastewater systems, proficient in Microsoft Office applications, be a team player, and have the ability to develop positive working relationships. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

The salary range for this position is $84,488 - $128,845. Salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience.

What's In It For You:
If you are passionate about making a difference in the community, join our team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package, including the Virginia Retirement System. We work hard to achieve our mission, but we also value work-life balance through paid-time off, flexible work schedules, and remote work opportunities. We support professional development through career development plans, tuition reimbursement program, our award-winning Learning and Performance Center programs, and opportunities for advancement within the organization. For more information, please visit Chesterfield County Department of Utilities.

We Would Love to Talk with You
Click the "apply" link above to complete and submit an application. PLEASE NOTE: Position is open until filled (first review to begin April 6, 2026).

This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience
Duties
Shift


Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Location


Utilities
Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
For information on county benefits, view
01


What is your highest level of education completed? (Please answer accurately. Failure to respond accurately will result in disqualification from consideration.)

• Some High School
• High School/GED
• Some College
• 2 year College degree (Associate's)
• 4 year College degree (Bachelor's)
• Master's Degree

02


Do you have a Professional Engineer (P.E.) License? (Please answer accurately. Failure to respond accurately will result in disqualification from consideration.)

• Yes
• No

03


How many years of supervisory experience do you have? (Please answer accurately. Failure to respond accurately will result in disqualification from consideration.)

• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 5 - 10 years
• 10 - 15 years
• More than 15 years

04


How many years of experience do you have in water and wastewater project management (design through construction)? (Please answer accurately. Failure to respond accurately will result in disqualification from consideration.)

• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 5 - 10 years
• 10 - 15 years
• More than 15 years

Required Question