Construction Materials Principal Engineer

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited in Charlottesville is seeking an experienced Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Principal Engineer to lead our field services team. You will oversee CMT projects, review technical reports, and mentor staff from proposal through final review.

The role emphasizes client consultation, scheduling, and market development, with a focus on safety, quality, and adherence to ASTM standards. A PE or PG licensure and a track record in project management and business development are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil/Geology or related field; certain degrees may not be considered.
• 12+ years of relevant experience including drafting, reviewing, and approving technical reports.
• Professional licensure as PE or PG.
• Senior reviewer designation preferred; details shared at interview.
• Active licenses/certifications as required by law.
• Demonstrated leadership, safety, and professionalism.
• Strong project management, consulting, and business development skills.
• Expert knowledge of CMT principles and ASTM standards.
• Valid driver’s license and insurance if driving for ECS.
• Strong marketing and client-relations experience in the local market.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee CMT projects, review technical reports, prepare proposals, and assist with department P&L.
• Provide technical expertise and mentor CMT staff through training and development.
• Mentor junior project managers and support staffing decisions with management/recruiters.
• Attend project meetings with clients and resolve technical issues as requested.
• Market ECS services, establish and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Business development

Mentorship

Staffing decisions

Client relationships

Marketing skills

Safety and professionalism

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for an experienced Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Principal Engineer to join our Charlottesvillefield services team in a dynamic work environment. In this role, you'll be primarily responsible for ensuring that the quality and performance on a variety of projects meet our standards and will consult with clients and project teams to ensure goals and deadlines from proposal to final review are met.

• Oversee various CMT projects, review technical report reviews, prepare and review proposals, and assist with management of your department and P&L.
• Provide technical expertise by reviewing reports and supporting CMT staff through mentorship, training, and development.
• Actively mentor junior project managers and support overall development of your team, including collaborating with other managers and internal recruiters to make staffing decisions and suggestions based on the needs of your project.
• Host or attend project meetings with clients and provide technical resolutions of issues as requested.
• Successfully market our services through networking, while establishing new and maintaining existing client relationships.

Career Development

• As your experience with us grows, ECS will support you in advancing in your career with the potential for advanced certifications and reviewer status with additional benefits through professional training programs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in any of the following: Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Geology; Note: Construction Management degrees and certain Technology degrees may not be considered.
• A minimum of 12 full years of relevant experience, to include drafting, reviewing, and approving technical reports.
• Professional licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG).
• Must have designation as a senior reviewer at your current or previous firm; detailed information on ECS' senior reviewer policy may be shared at time of interview or offer.
• Maintain all necessary licenses and certifications for compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Demonstrated technical competence, leadership, safety, and professionalism.
• Proven track-record of excellence in project management, consulting, and business development.
• Expert knowledge of CMT principles, applications, and ASTM laboratory standards.
• Must have valid driver's license and insurance if driving on behalf of ECS.
• Strong marketing skills with the ability to establish and maintain client relationships; experience with established relationships in local market is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Excellent leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to work effectively with clients, peers, and supervisors.

The expected pay range for this role and location is $95k - $115k/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, clickhere.