Principal Engineer Jobs in Virginia

INTRODUCTION

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for an experienced Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Principal Engineer to join our Charlottesville field services team in a dynamic work environment. In this role, you’ll be primarily responsible for ensuring that the quality and performance on a variety of projects meet our standards and will consult with clients and project teams to ensure goals and deadlines from proposal to final review are met.

Responsibilities

• Oversee various CMT projects, review technical report reviews, prepare and review proposals, and assist with management of your department and P&L.
• Provide technical expertise by reviewing reports and supporting CMT staff through mentorship, training, and development.
• Actively mentor junior project managers and support overall development of your team, including collaborating with other managers and internal recruiters to make staffing decisions and suggestions based on the needs of your project.
• Host or attend project meetings with clients and provide technical resolutions of issues as requested.
• Successfully market our services through networking, while establishing new and maintaining existing client relationships.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

As your experience with us grows, ECS will support you in advancing in your career with the potential for advanced certifications and reviewer status with additional benefits through professional training programs.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in any of the following: Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Geology; Note: Construction Management degrees and certain Technology degrees may not be considered.
• A minimum of 12 full years of relevant experience, to include drafting, reviewing, and approving technical reports.
• Professional licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG).
• Must have designation as a senior reviewer at your current or previous firm; detailed information on ECS’ senior reviewer policy may be shared at time of interview or offer.
• Maintain all necessary licenses and certifications for compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Demonstrated technical competence, leadership, safety, and professionalism.
• Proven track-record of excellence in project management, consulting, and business development.
• Expert knowledge of CMT principles, applications, and ASTM laboratory standards.
• Must have valid driver's license and insurance if driving on behalf of ECS.
• Strong marketing skills with the ability to establish and maintain client relationships; experience with established relationships in local market is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Excellent leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to work effectively with clients, peers, and supervisors.

WHO WE ARE

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025).

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.