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- Project Engineer - Land DevelopmentStart Date: 09/02/2026Location: Luray, VA or Roanoke, VASalary: $85,000 - $102,000
Description
Racey Engineering is hiring a Project Engineer for land development. This is a design-forward role: we need someone who can pick up a site, carry it from concept through approved construction plans, and advise the Client.
The emphasis is production. You will own the technical work on your projects - grading, storm drainage, stormwater management, utilities, erosion and sediment control - and you will be in front of counties, towns, and planning commissions getting them approved. A Virginia PE is preferred and it is not required. We care more about whether you can get plans through review than about what follows your name.
There is a path to Project Manager here for someone who wants it, and there is also a long career in doing the technical work well for someone who does not. Both are legitimate at Racey, and we would rather know which one you are after.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Carry land development projects from concept and due diligence through preliminary engineering, construction documents, and approval.
- Design site grading, storm drainage, stormwater management and BMPs, water and sanitary utilities, and erosion and sediment control.
- Perform stormwater modeling and apply the Virginia Runoff Reduction Method; prepare SWM and E&S narratives and computations.
- Prepare rezoning and special use permit applications - concept plans, proffer and condition exhibits, and the supporting narratives.
- Represent projects at public agency meetings and work sessions, and at planning commission, board of supervisors, and town council public hearings - including preparing the exhibits and presentations that go with them.
- Coordinate with county and town planning, zoning, engineering, and utility departments through review cycles, and write the comment response letters that close items out.
- Coordinate with VDOT on entrance permits, land use permits, and traffic-related review items.
- Manage sub-consultants for geotechnical, environmental, cultural resources, and traffic work.
- Own project scope, schedule, and fee budget on assigned projects, and report status monthly.
- Support the bid and construction phases - RFI response, submittal review, site visits, and record drawings.
- Check and mentor the work of designers and EITs as you grow into it.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- 6 to 9 years of land development civil design experience.
- Demonstrated ability to carry a site from concept through approved construction plans with limited supervision.
- Site grading, storm drainage, stormwater management and BMP design, utility layout, and erosion and sediment control.
- Experience preparing rezoning and special use permit applications, and appearing before public agencies at public hearings.
- Working knowledge of Virginia municipal codes, zoning and subdivision ordinances, and the Virginia Runoff Reduction Method.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Strong written communication - a real part of this job is writing comment responses that end an argument rather than extend it.
- Virginia PE license preferred, not required. EIT welcome.
- Valid driver's license in good standing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Virginia PE license, or the ability to obtain one by comity.
- Hydraulic and hydrologic modeling – Hydraflow, HydroCAD, or equivalent - and CLOMR/LOMR experience.
- VDOT LAD administered (locally administered federal-aid) project experience.
- Both residential subdivision and commercial site development experience.
- Familiarity with Shenandoah Valley, Fredericksburg Area, and Roanoke Valley jurisdictions
- Experience mentoring designers or EITs.
Physical Requirements, Travel, and Schedule
- Full-time, hybrid, based out of the Luray, VA or Roanoke, VA offices. Will consider remote work with high experience.
- Site visits during due diligence, design, and construction; ability to navigate uneven terrain.
- Evening public hearings are part of this role - typically a few a month depending on the project mix.
- Travel throughout Virginia, typically 15 to 25 percent.
- Must be able to pass a drug screening.
Compensation
$85,000 - $102,000 per year. We hire this role at the Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer level depending on your experience. The Senior designation and the upper half of the range go with independent project ownership and a track record of carrying entitlements through approval. Signing bonus and bonus opportunities are available.
BeNEFITS
Racey Engineering is a 2026 Best Places to Work in Virginia firm, and we offer a strong and growing benefits package for our employees. A few highlights:
- Health insurance ($0 deductible; 75% paid by employer)
- Group Term Life Insurance paid by employer ($50,000)
- Dental, vision, and other supplemental insurances
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid leave and holidays
- Bereavement, Parental, and Jury Duty Leave
- Education and tuition reimbursement
- Referral bonus program
Opportunity Awaits
At Racey Engineering you will find a family-oriented culture that cares about you (and your family) and about making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. You will work on projects across the Commonwealth while we support you as you learn and grow your technical and professional skills. We are looking for people who share our values and want to contribute to a strong work environment. If you are ready to take on new challenges, grow your skills, and make a meaningful impact, we would like to hear from you.
Racey Engineering, PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
