Staff Engineer

For over thirty years, SAM has built a reputation as a trusted, knowledgeable, and innovative partner. Our licensed professionals transform petabytes of complex spatial data into intelligent insights in a holistic Managed Geospatial Services™ (MGS™) framework. As North America's premiere MGS™ company, SAM provides practical, precise, and high-fidelity solutions designed to enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, achieve strategic objectives, and drive costs out of our client's business. Our vision is to advance spatial data acquisition, improve analysis capabilities, and develop predictive analytics to redefine and transform how infrastructure assets are developed and managed throughout their lifecycles.

About the Role

The Staff Engineer will support utility coordination, adjustment, and relocation efforts for a variety of infrastructure projects. Working alongside experienced Project Managers, Professional Engineers, and Professional Surveyors, this office-based role offers opportunities to develop technical expertise and advance within the organization. The ideal candidate has experience or an interest in utility coordination and a general understanding of utility construction practices, policies, and procedures. This position provides the opportunity to collaborate with utility owners, pipeline companies, municipal utilities, clients, and regulatory agencies while helping resolve complex utility conflicts.

Responsibilities

• Review roadway design plans and utility construction proposals to identify conflicts involving existing and proposed utilities
• Assist with developing conceptual utility alignments, construction cost estimates, and project schedules
• Evaluate utility adjustment designs and recommend practical alternatives that may reduce costs, minimize delays, and improve constructability
• Coordinate meetings with utility owners, clients, project teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Review contracts, engineering plans, and technical specifications for compliance with project requirements and applicable regulations
• Document project progress, prepare status updates, and maintain project schedules
• Review utility plans and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness
• Review payment requests and invoices for accuracy based on completed work
• Research records and available documentation to identify existing utility infrastructure
• Use CAD to prepare utility coordination and SUE layouts under the direction of the Project Manager
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support project delivery and the company’s strategic goals

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in Virginia required
• Ability to obtain PE licensure through comity or reciprocity in other Mid-Atlantic states preferred
• Experience with utility coordination, adjustment, relocation, or related infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of utility construction practices, policies, and procedures
• Ability to review engineering plans, technical specifications, contracts, and utility construction proposals
• Experience identifying and resolving conflicts between existing and proposed utilities
• Proficiency in CAD and the ability to prepare utility coordination and SUE deliverables
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to coordinate with utility owners, municipal agencies, clients, regulatory agencies, and internal project teams
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines in a collaborative office environment
• Experience developing utility alignments, cost estimates, and project schedules is preferred

Benefits

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms