Land Development Engineer - Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Land Development Engineer - Lead Designer

Company: Trilon Group (Rinker Design Associates, LLC - RDA)

Location: Manassas, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Land Development Engineering / Site-Civil Engineering

Date Posted: July 28, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4-8 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the detailed design and execution of land development projects, emphasizing site-civil engineering principles and technical documentation.

• The position requires strong proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D for creating design plans and technical deliverables.

• A key aspect involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and assisting in project management tasks, including cost estimation and scheduling.

• The candidate will ensure compliance with local zoning ordinances, facility design standards, and environmental regulations for erosion and sediment control.

• This is an on-site position requiring a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a PE license or EIT with a clear path to PE licensure.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Land Development Engineer - Lead Designer," the responsibilities and experience level suggest a focus on technical design execution rather than high-level strategic leadership or direct team management. The "Lead Designer" aspect likely refers to taking ownership of design tasks and guiding junior engineers on design best practices. The company is identified as Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA), a subsidiary or division of Trilon Group.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design of land development projects, encompassing grading, stormwater management (SWM/BMP), water, and sanitary sewer systems, from conceptualization through construction administration.

• Prepare comprehensive technical design documents, including legislative applications, site plans, storm sewer systems, water/sanitary sewer systems, and erosion/sediment control plans, utilizing AutoCAD Civil 3D.

• Ensure all designs adhere strictly to local zoning ordinances, facility design standards, and state criteria for erosion and sediment control.

• Assist in project management functions, including the development of cost estimates, project scheduling, and effective resource allocation to ensure project timelines and budgets are met.

• Provide essential technical support and mentorship to junior engineers and other team members, fostering a collaborative design environment and promoting best practices.

• Conduct site investigations and feasibility studies to inform design decisions and identify potential challenges early in the project lifecycle.

• Coordinate with regulatory agencies to navigate permitting processes and ensure project compliance.

• Review and stamp engineering plans as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), demonstrating accountability and technical authority.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work and supportive project management. The emphasis on "legislative applications and site plans" suggests involvement in the early stages of project approval, requiring an understanding of local planning processes. The explicit mention of "Provide technical support and guidance to junior engineers" indicates a lead or senior contributor role within the design team, rather than a formal management position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution. Experience:

• 4-8 years of progressive experience specifically in Land Development and Site-Civil engineering.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design projects from inception to completion, including client interaction and regulatory agency coordination. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: Must possess a current PE license in Virginia, or be an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) with a confirmed commitment and clear pathway to obtaining a PE license within one year of hire.

• AutoCAD Civil 3D Proficiency: Advanced skill in using AutoCAD Civil 3D for site design, including grading, earthwork calculations, utility design, and plan production.

• Site-Civil Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of principles for grading, stormwater management (SWM/BMP), water distribution, sanitary sewer systems, and erosion/sediment control.

• Regulatory Compliance: Strong familiarity with local zoning ordinances, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) standards, and facility design standards relevant to land development projects.

• Technical Documentation: Ability to prepare detailed and accurate technical reports, specifications, and construction drawings.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Proven capability to analyze complex engineering challenges and develop effective, compliant design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other relevant design software (e.g., GIS, HEC-RAS, HydroCAD).

• Familiarity with construction administration and site observation processes.

• Experience in preparing cost estimations and project schedules.

• Strong understanding of Virginia's environmental regulations and permitting processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license or EIT with a clear path to PE is critical. For EIT candidates, the company's willingness to sponsor or support the licensing process within a year is a key factor. The emphasis on "local codes, standards, and permitting processes" suggests a need for candidates familiar with the Northern Virginia region's specific requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Detailed case studies showcasing successful land development projects from concept to completion, highlighting your specific design contributions.

• Examples of comprehensive site-civil design packages, including grading plans, stormwater management reports (SWM/BMP), utility plans, and erosion/sediment control plans.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, showcasing complex grading, pipe network design, and plan set production.

• Evidence of project management contributions, such as sample cost estimates, project schedules, or resource allocation plans for completed projects.

• Documentation of successful navigation of local permitting processes and regulatory compliance for past projects. Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples illustrating your approach to site-civil design, from initial data gathering and concept development to final design and construction documentation.

• Documentation of your methodology for stormwater management design, including calculations, BMP selection, and compliance with relevant regulations.

• Samples of your process for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including communication strategies and conflict resolution approaches.

• Examples of how you ensure compliance with local zoning ordinances and facility design standards throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to present specific projects that demonstrate their ability to manage design elements, solve complex site challenges, and ensure regulatory adherence. Quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, project completion speed, environmental compliance successes) are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement: 401K Retirement Plan with Roth Contribution options.

• Financial Wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Insurance: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, plus 8 federal holidays and 1 floating holiday.

• Family Support: Parental Leave benefits.

• Incentives: A significant $10,000 sign-on bonus.

Working Hours: The standard full-time work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. Given the on-site nature and project-driven demands of land development engineering, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, with potential for overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($75,000 - $85,000) is competitive for a Land Development Engineer with 4-8 years of experience in the Manassas, VA area, especially for roles requiring a PE license. The $10,000 sign-on bonus is a substantial incentive. The benefits package is robust, covering essential health, financial, and personal well-being needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Civil Engineering, Land Development, Transportation, Municipal Services. RDA operates within the broader construction and engineering services sector, focusing on infrastructure development.

Company Size: Trilon Group is a growing organization, with RDA likely representing a significant part of its civil engineering capabilities. The exact size of the Manassas office or the civil department isn't specified, but the need for a Lead Designer suggests a team of moderate size with ongoing project flow.

Founded: Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA) was founded with a commitment to providing high-quality engineering solutions. Trilon Group has a history of growth and acquisition, indicating a dynamic and expanding corporate environment.

Team Structure:

• The Civil/Municipal department is likely structured with project managers overseeing multiple project teams.

• This role will report to a Project Manager or a Senior Engineering Lead.

• Collaboration is expected with other engineers (junior and senior), designers, surveyors, and potentially administrative staff.

• Cross-functional interaction with other Trilon Group divisions or external consultants might occur for larger projects. Methodology:

• RDA emphasizes a collaborative and client-focused approach, prioritizing innovative and high-quality solutions.

• Design methodologies will be grounded in established engineering principles, regulatory compliance, and efficient use of technology like AutoCAD Civil 3D.

• Project execution likely follows standard engineering project management phases: planning, design, permitting, construction administration, and close-out.

• A data-driven approach to design and problem-solving, ensuring compliance and optimal site utilization.

Company Website: https://www.trilongroup.com/ and https://www.rdacivil.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "innovation" and "high-quality solutions" suggests an environment that values technical excellence and client satisfaction. The integration into Trilon Group implies access to broader resources and potentially a more structured corporate framework compared to a standalone firm.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior level, indicated by the 4-8 years of experience requirement and the "Lead Designer" title. It's a key individual contributor role with design authority and mentorship responsibilities, serving as a stepping stone towards Project Management or more specialized technical leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Land Development Engineer will report to a Project Manager or a Senior Engineering Manager within the Civil/Municipal department. They will likely guide and mentor junior engineers and EITs working on the same projects.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts project success by ensuring technically sound, compliant, and cost-effective land development designs. Accurate and efficient designs contribute to project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for quality engineering services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced stormwater management, sustainable site design, or complex grading challenges.

• Project Management: Transition into a Project Manager role, taking on greater responsibility for client relations, financial oversight, and team leadership.

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior Engineer or Technical Lead position, overseeing design quality for multiple projects, mentoring teams, and contributing to business development.

• Professional Development: Pursue advanced certifications or specialized training in areas relevant to land development and civil engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead Designer" aspect is crucial for career growth. It signifies an opportunity to hone leadership skills in a technical context, which can be a direct path to formal management roles or senior technical expert positions within the firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where employees work from the company's Manassas, VA location. The description of RDA emphasizes a "collaborative and client-focused approach," suggesting an office designed to facilitate teamwork and client meetings.

Office Location(s): 11100 Endeavor Ct, Manassas, VA 20109. This location is in Prince William County, Virginia, providing access to a significant regional market for land development projects.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a professional office setting with dedicated workstations for engineers and designers.

• Expect access to necessary software (AutoCAD Civil 3D), hardware, and potentially a shared server environment for project files.

• Collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially a print/copy area will be available.

• Interaction with colleagues will be frequent, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere conducive to design reviews and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the nature of land development projects often requires flexibility to meet critical deadlines, especially during permitting phases or before construction milestones. Overtime may be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. Candidates should be comfortable working in a physical office environment and engaging directly with colleagues and potentially clients. The Manassas location places the role within a busy development corridor in Northern Virginia.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest in the role.

• Technical Interview: An interview with the hiring manager (likely a Project Manager or Senior Engineer) to discuss your experience with land development projects, technical skills (especially AutoCAD Civil 3D), and understanding of design principles.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present and discuss your portfolio, highlighting specific projects, your design process, and problem-solving approaches. This is a critical step for assessing your practical application of skills.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Potentially meet with other team members to evaluate collaboration style and cultural alignment with RDA's values.

• Final Interview: May involve a higher-level manager or HR for a final assessment and offer discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful land development projects. Focus on projects that showcase your design capabilities, problem-solving skills, and understanding of local regulations.

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and contributions, the design solutions implemented, and the outcome (e.g., successful permitting, efficient site utilization, positive client feedback).

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss specific AutoCAD Civil 3D features you utilized, such as complex grading, pipe network design, or stormwater modeling.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., "reduced site grading by X%", "optimized stormwater system to meet Y capacity with Z cost savings").

• Address Regulatory Aspects: Clearly explain how you ensured compliance with zoning ordinances, stormwater regulations, and erosion control standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical design scenarios or challenges related to grading, stormwater management, or utility design in a typical Northern Virginia context.

• Prepare to explain your process for responding to client feedback or design revisions.

• Brush up on fundamental civil engineering principles and common land development challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, technical decisions, and problem-solving strategies in detail. Understanding the specific regulatory environment of Manassas, VA (Prince William County) will be advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: This is the core software requirement. Proficiency in its various modules for site design, grading, earthwork calculations, pipe networks (water, sewer, storm), and plan production is essential.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard tools for documentation, reporting, and communication, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, engineers may use Excel for data analysis, calculations, and basic reporting.

• Stormwater modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, HydroCAD, StormCAD) may be used for analysis and reporting, depending on project complexity. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the engineering design role itself, but project management software may be used for tracking project progress, resources, and client communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: AutoCAD Civil 3D proficiency is non-negotiable. The company likely uses standard office productivity software. Any experience with specialized stormwater modeling or GIS software would be a strong asset, even if not explicitly listed as a primary requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering high-quality, responsive engineering solutions.

• Technical Excellence: Commitment to accuracy, innovation, and adherence to engineering best practices.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and fostering open communication.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding ethical standards and ensuring all designs meet regulatory requirements.

• Professional Growth: Encouraging continuous learning and development for all team members.

Collaboration Style:

• The culture is described as "collaborative and client-focused." This implies an environment where teamwork is encouraged, and open communication channels are maintained.

• Expect regular design reviews, team meetings, and cross-functional discussions to ensure project alignment and problem resolution.

• Feedback is likely exchanged constructively to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values suggest a professional and supportive work environment. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work both independently on design tasks and collaboratively within a team structure, always with a focus on delivering successful client outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Site Constraints: Designing on challenging terrain, dealing with existing infrastructure, or meeting stringent environmental regulations can present significant design hurdles.

• Regulatory Navigation: Keeping up-to-date with evolving local zoning ordinances and environmental standards, and successfully navigating complex permitting processes.

• Balancing Design & Project Management: Effectively managing design tasks while also contributing to project management aspects like cost estimation and scheduling.

• Mentoring Junior Staff: Providing effective guidance and technical direction to less experienced engineers while maintaining personal design output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of site-civil engineering through training and project work.

• Project Management Acumen: Developing skills in client management, financial oversight, and team leadership through project involvement.

• PE Licensure Support: For EITs, a clear pathway and support for obtaining their Professional Engineer license.

• Industry Exposure: Working on diverse land development projects in the Northern Virginia region provides broad industry exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for land development engineering roles. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for career advancement within both technical and managerial tracks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex land development project you've designed. What were the main challenges, and how did you overcome them using AutoCAD Civil 3D?"

• "Walk me through your process for designing a stormwater management system for a commercial site, ensuring compliance with local regulations."

• "How do you balance the demands of technical design with project management tasks like cost estimation and scheduling?"

• "What is your experience with local zoning ordinances and permitting processes in Northern Virginia?"

• "Describe a time you had to mentor a junior engineer on a design task. What was your approach?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Trilon Group and Rinker Design Associates (RDA)?"

• "How do you approach collaboration within a multidisciplinary engineering team?"

• "What are your long-term career goals, and how does this role align with them?"

• "How do you ensure the quality and accuracy of your engineering designs?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Prepared to Demo: If possible, be ready to share your screen and briefly demonstrate specific AutoCAD Civil 3D features used in your projects.

• Storytelling: Frame your project discussions as narratives – problem, solution, outcome.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design decisions, not just what you did.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Emphasize how you tackled obstacles and found effective solutions.

• Showcase Regulatory Understanding: Clearly articulate how your designs met all compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to discuss specific technical details, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and articulate their understanding of the land development lifecycle and regulatory environment. A strong portfolio presentation is key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in land development, site-civil design, AutoCAD Civil 3D proficiency, and any project management contributions. Prepare specific examples of grading, stormwater management, and utility design projects.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "Land Development Engineer," "Site-Civil," "AutoCAD Civil 3D," "Stormwater Management," "Grading," "PE License," and "Project Management" to ensure ATS compatibility. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with relevant software and regulations. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently and discuss your approach to technical challenges and team collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Trilon Group and Rinker Design Associates (RDA), their project portfolio, and their stated values. Understand the company culture and its emphasis on client focus and technical excellence.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.