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Research Civil Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Senior Civil Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

... an Senior Civil Engineer to support our Herndon, VA location. Provides high level technical ... Tasks include the research, design, conceptual plan development, planning, and construction of ...

WSP

Senior Civil Engineer

Herndon, VA

... an Senior Civil Engineer to support our Herndon, VA location. Provides high level technical ... Tasks include the research, design, conceptual plan development, planning, and construction of ...

Nalley Consulting

Civil Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

PE License Description Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Civil Engineer to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in technologies for ...

Nalley Consulting

Civil Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

PE License Description Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Civil Engineer to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in technologies for ...

Trilon

Civil Engineer (PE) - Aviation

Richmond, VA

TBE is seeking a Civil Engineer (PE) - Aviation to manage, lead, and perform civil engineering ... Adjust and correlate data, research code issues, applicable third-party agency requirements, design ...

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Research Civil Engineer information

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced senior civil engineers, especially those in specialized fields such as structural or geotechnical engineering, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, often through a combination of base pay, bonuses, and project incentives. Such compensation typically requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, leadership roles, and work in high-demand or large-scale projects.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Research civil engineers typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with high earners in senior or specialized roles possibly reaching around $150,000 to $200,000. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires advanced positions, extensive experience, management responsibilities, or working in high-paying industries or locations, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing.

What is a Research Civil Engineer job?

A Research Civil Engineer applies scientific principles to study, develop, and improve civil engineering materials, structures, and technologies. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and create models to solve engineering challenges. Their work often supports infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and construction efficiency. Research Civil Engineers may collaborate with universities, government agencies, or private companies to advance industry knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Civil Engineer position, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Research Civil Engineer, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, advanced analytical skills, and typically at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and structural analysis tools, as well as knowledge of relevant standards and certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset help you excel in interdisciplinary research environments. These skills are vital for accurately designing experiments, interpreting data, and presenting findings that drive innovation and improvements in civil engineering practices.

What does a research civil engineer do?

A research civil engineer conducts studies and experiments to develop new materials, methods, and technologies for infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and water systems. They analyze data, create models, and collaborate with other engineers to improve safety, sustainability, and efficiency in civil engineering practices. This role often requires strong analytical skills and proficiency with engineering software and laboratory tools.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior civil engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in large projects or consulting firms. High compensation often involves advanced certifications, project management responsibilities, and working in high-demand sectors or regions.

What types of projects and research topics might I work on as a Research Civil Engineer?

As a Research Civil Engineer, your projects may involve studying new materials, developing sustainable construction methods, improving infrastructure resilience, or analyzing structural performance under various conditions. You could work on government-funded research, collaborate with universities, or partner with private industry stakeholders on cutting-edge innovations. Daily tasks often include conducting experiments, writing technical reports, and presenting findings to both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders. This role offers opportunities to contribute to advancements in transportation, water resources, structural systems, and environmental engineering, providing a diverse and intellectually stimulating work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Research Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Research Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Research Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Research Civil Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Civil Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Senior Civil Engineer

WSP

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 73 rated business consultants

Job description


This Opportunity
WSP's Construction Materials Team is growing, and we have opportunity for an Senior Civil Engineer to support our Herndon, VA location. Provides high level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site/phase technical due diligence, including site design, impact assessment, permitting, improvement, and construction of projects and systems in the public and private sector. Tasks include the research, design, conceptual plan development, planning, and construction of facilities, stormwater management, grading/earthwork minimization, roads, buildings, water supply systems, and sewage treatment. Substantiates reports and documentation to advise on material, installation, design, and construction specifications. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Your Impact
  • Involved from project inception to completion in the design and construction of private development and infrastructure projects, including greenfield site development, rehabilitation and reconstruction, grading, drainage, pavement design, specifications, building materials, phasing, and construction safety plans.
  • Contribute to, and monitor cross-functional teams of engineers, planners, and scientific professionals to execute project work on mid-level and/or multiple concurrent projects, including budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, technical calculations, permit applications, construction, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
  • Provide guidance with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, hydrologic analysis, geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
  • Apply high-level civil engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various infrastructure project phases including concept development, preliminary earthwork/final grading plans, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation.
  • Perform professional civil engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, building, infrastructure, transportation channels, and operations to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing construction safety and phasing plans, and updating infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
  • Prepare, and critically review conceptual grading plans, stormwater management systems, utilities and earthwork cut/fill analyses for constructability.
  • Coordinate, review and approve infrastructure design plans, ensuring data integrity and work is compliant with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
  • Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, cross-sections, and other illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex data, findings, or analyses.
  • Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, concepts, and recommendations to prevent, control, restore, or address engineering, design, and/or construction issues or opportunities.
  • Analyze, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
  • Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
  • Collaborate with professionals, other engineers, planners, and infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities.
  • Remain current in latest civil engineering techniques and practices.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or closely related discipline.
  • 5+ years of relevant post education experience in engineering and prior civil design experience.
  • Engineer in Training Certification.
  • Proficient with civil engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.
  • Extensive knowledge of infrastructure design.
  • Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
  • Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Well-developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
  • Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Masters Degree in Engineering.
  • Experience with mission critical/data center campuses is a plus.
  • Essential Professional Licensure/Certification.
  • Experience managing small to mid-size projects.

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $105,000 - $132,400
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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