Construction Materials Principal Engineer

ECS Group of Companies; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking an experienced Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Principal Engineer to join our Charlottesville field services team. You will ensure quality and performance on diverse projects, consult with clients and project teams, and guide goals from proposal to final review.

The role requires senior-level technical leadership, strong client relationships, and a track record in business development within geotechnical and construction materials testing disciplines.

Qualifications

• Must hold a professional engineer license or equivalent credentials.
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Geology preferred.
• Strong track record in construction materials testing and geotechnical consulting.

Responsibilities

• Provides enterprise-level technical oversight across CMT projects.
• Performs final technical review of reports and calculations.
• Leads business development and expands client relationships.
• Mentors staff and guides project managers and principals.
• Represents ECS in industry communities and governance activities.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Mentoring

Project management

Technical expertise in CMT

Education

Professional engineer license

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Geology

Tools

Advanced analysis software

Job description

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for an experienced Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Principal Engineer to join our Charlottesville field 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.

Responsibilities

• Provides enterprise-level technical expertise and oversight across CMT projects
• Performs final technical review and approval of reports, calculations, and deliverables
• Ensures technical quality, consistency, and adherence to standards across projects and teams
• Oversees project performance and supports resolution of complex or high-risk issues
• Mentors Associate Principals, Senior Project Managers, and technical staff
• Leads business development efforts and expands client relationships
• Prepares and reviews proposals, contracts, and major project decisions
• Supports department and office financial performance (P&L awareness)
• Assists with staffing decisions and workforce planning
• Represents the organization as a technical expert in the industry and community
• Participates in leadership activities, including review committees and internal governance
• Provides cross-functional support across departments and service lines

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.

Required Qualifications

• 12 years of related experience with a professional engineering or geology license per ECS Senior Technical Staff Policies and Procedures
  • Or, 16 years of related experience with certifications per ECS Senior Technical Staff Policies and Procedures
• High school diploma or GED required
  • Bachelor of Science in any of the multi-disciplined Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Geology is preferred
• Per the ECS Senior Technical Staff Policies and Procedures, maintain licenses and/or certifications as necessary for the work performed or managed
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
• Established reputation as a technical expert in construction materials testing
• Strong regional or multi-regional client relationships
• Proven success in business development and revenue growth
• Advanced technical expertise across construction materials testing disciplines
• Proven leadership and decision-making capability at an organizational level
• Strong business development and client relationship skills
• Extensive experience in project management, risk management, and consulting
• Ability to perform and sign as the final technical review of reports and calculations
• Strong understanding of regional geologic conditions and industry challenges
• Proficiency with advanced analysis software
• Ability to mentor senior technical staff and future leaders
• Strong financial and operational awareness
• Professional training programs as required in the ECS Senior Technical Staff Policies and Procedures

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education, certification, and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
  • E-8+

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.

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), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) 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, click here.