Southern Search
1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants
This range is provided by Southern Search. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $180,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr
Founder, Executive Recruiter - Southern Search Principal Transportation Engineer – Tennessee
Lead the Growth of a Statewide Practice
Southern Search has partnered with an award winning engineering firm that is seeking an accomplished
Principal Transportation Engineer
to lead and expand the transportation practice across Tennessee. With more than 800 employees collaborating across engineering, architecture, planning, and surveying, the group is committed to designing solutions that move communities forward—safely, sustainably, and creatively.
This is a
senior leadership role
for a transportation expert who thrives on shaping strategy, growing markets, and developing high-performing teams.
About the Role As the
Principal Transportation Engineer , you will serve as a key leader driving the transportation vision in Tennessee. You’ll oversee major roadway, corridor, and multimodal projects while strengthening partnerships with TDOT, municipalities, and regional clients. This role blends technical excellence, project delivery, staff mentorship, and business development—ideal for a leader eager to build something meaningful and long-lasting.
Key Responsibilities
Act as "Principal in Charge" for complex transportation projects.
Ensure project delivery meets the standards for quality, schedule, and budget.
Provide technical direction on all transportation project designs.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated, regional specific solutions.
Serve as a primary relationship builder with
TDOT
and local governments.
Identify market opportunities and lead pursuit strategies and proposal development.
Represent the business at industry events, elevating visibility and presence across Tennessee.
Mentor engineers at all levels; support ongoing training and development pathways.
Influence staffing strategy and recruitment as the practice expands.
Foster a collaborative, high-trust environment aligned with impactful culture and values.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in
Civil Engineering
or related discipline.
Professional Engineer (PE)
in Tennessee.
15+ years
of transportation engineering experience, including
5+ years
in leadership roles.
Strong working knowledge of
TDOT standards, funding programs, and project delivery procedures .
Proven client development and relationship management success.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on large transportation projects.
Proficiency in
MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer , or related design tools.
Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities.
Employee Benefits We invest in people. Benefits include:
Strong Salary - $180,000 - $240,000 not including bonuses
Ownership potential
401(k) with employer match
Company Profit Sharing
100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance
Short- & Long-Term Disability Coverage
Tuition & Certification Reimbursement
Paid Professional Memberships
Voluntary Wellness Initiatives
Why Join a growing firm? Because here,
you’re not just leading projects, you’re shaping a statewide transportation practice . You’ll have the autonomy to build client relationships, develop teams, and make impactful decisions backed by an established, people-first firm that believes in investing in its leaders.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full-time
Job function Project Management, Business Development, and Engineering
Industries: Civil Engineering
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This range is provided by Southern Search. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $180,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr
Founder, Executive Recruiter - Southern Search Principal Transportation Engineer – Tennessee
Lead the Growth of a Statewide Practice
Southern Search has partnered with an award winning engineering firm that is seeking an accomplished
Principal Transportation Engineer
to lead and expand the transportation practice across Tennessee. With more than 800 employees collaborating across engineering, architecture, planning, and surveying, the group is committed to designing solutions that move communities forward—safely, sustainably, and creatively.
This is a
senior leadership role
for a transportation expert who thrives on shaping strategy, growing markets, and developing high-performing teams.
About the Role As the
Principal Transportation Engineer , you will serve as a key leader driving the transportation vision in Tennessee. You’ll oversee major roadway, corridor, and multimodal projects while strengthening partnerships with TDOT, municipalities, and regional clients. This role blends technical excellence, project delivery, staff mentorship, and business development—ideal for a leader eager to build something meaningful and long-lasting.
Key Responsibilities
Act as "Principal in Charge" for complex transportation projects.
Ensure project delivery meets the standards for quality, schedule, and budget.
Provide technical direction on all transportation project designs.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated, regional specific solutions.
Serve as a primary relationship builder with
TDOT
and local governments.
Identify market opportunities and lead pursuit strategies and proposal development.
Represent the business at industry events, elevating visibility and presence across Tennessee.
Mentor engineers at all levels; support ongoing training and development pathways.
Influence staffing strategy and recruitment as the practice expands.
Foster a collaborative, high-trust environment aligned with impactful culture and values.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in
Civil Engineering
or related discipline.
Professional Engineer (PE)
in Tennessee.
15+ years
of transportation engineering experience, including
5+ years
in leadership roles.
Strong working knowledge of
TDOT standards, funding programs, and project delivery procedures .
Proven client development and relationship management success.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on large transportation projects.
Proficiency in
MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer , or related design tools.
Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities.
Employee Benefits We invest in people. Benefits include:
Strong Salary - $180,000 - $240,000 not including bonuses
Ownership potential
401(k) with employer match
Company Profit Sharing
100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance
Short- & Long-Term Disability Coverage
Tuition & Certification Reimbursement
Paid Professional Memberships
Voluntary Wellness Initiatives
Why Join a growing firm? Because here,
you’re not just leading projects, you’re shaping a statewide transportation practice . You’ll have the autonomy to build client relationships, develop teams, and make impactful decisions backed by an established, people-first firm that believes in investing in its leaders.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full-time
Job function Project Management, Business Development, and Engineering
Industries: Civil Engineering
#J-18808-Ljbffr