Geotechnical Engineer (Principal-Level)

Shannon & Wilson Inc; Wheat Ridge (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock ownership

Medical, prescription, vision, dental,

Long-term care and life insurance

Profit sharing and 401(k) plans

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Free parking

Job summary

Shannon & Wilson is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to serve as a senior technical leader, delivering geotechnical engineering solutions, guiding multidisciplinary teams, and advancing technical excellence across major infrastructure and development projects.

You will lead investigations, design methodologies, risk management, and project execution, while supporting business development and mentoring junior engineers, travel as needed, and upholding quality and safety policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering; PhD preferred for highly technical roles.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; GE license preferred where applicable.
• 20+ years of geotechnical engineering experience on large infrastructure projects.
• Proven leadership, project management and client management capabilities.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities; risk assessment skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as geotechnical technical authority with quality oversight and sign-off.
• Manage all phases of engineering projects and guide teams to meet goals.
• Lead proposal development: scoping, fee estimating, contracts negotiation.
• Build and maintain client relationships; act as trusted advisor on geotechnical issues.
• Oversee QC, conduct studies, and prepare design, progress, and completion reports.
• Contribute to strategic growth, market positioning, and capability development.
• Conduct analyses and calculations (e.g., FEM, seismic, slope stability, seepage).
• Mentor junior/mid-level engineers and potentially supervise a team.
• Support recruitment and talent development for geotechnical teams.
• Review procedures for compliance with policies and performance measures.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client management

Technical writing

Communication

Geotechnical modeling software

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering

PE license

GE license (preferred)

PhD preferred for highly technical roles

Tools

Finite element analysis

Geotechnical software

Job description

Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high-quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients worldwide. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for some of the most challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting and construction conditions.

As employee owners, we are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment and utilizing innovative science practices in our work.

Job Summary

The Principal Geotechnical Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for delivering geotechnical engineering solutions, guiding multidisciplinary teams, advancing technical excellence, and supporting business development. This role provides strategic direction on geotechnical investigations, design methodologies, risk management, and project execution across major infrastructure and development projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the geotechnical technical authority, providing peer review, quality oversight, and sign-off on geotechnical deliverables.
• Manage all phases of technical engineering projects, provide guidance to the engineering teams working on projects, and assure successful achievement of project goals.
• Lead proposal development to include: project scoping; fee estimating; and review and negotiate of contracts.
• Build and maintain client relationships; serve as a trusted adviser on geotechnical issues; resolve client conflicts and concerns.
• Oversee quality control, conduct engineering studies and investigations, and prepare and review design reports, progress reports, and project completion reports for company management.
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives, market positioning, and technical capability development.
• Conduct and supervise analyses, studies and calculations (e.g., finite element modeling, seismic response, settlement modeling, slope stability, seepage).
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level geotechnical engineers and may supervise a team of engineers.
• Lead or support recruitment and talent development for geotechnical teams.
• Review operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures.
• Keeps abreast of industry trends and issues.
• Assist in committee work to support strategic goals of the company.
• Follow Shannon & Wilson's Quality Assurance policy.
• Follow and promote Shannon and Wilson's Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field (PhD preferred for highly technical roles).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; GE license preferred where applicable.
• 20+ years of experience as a Geotechnical Engineer.
• Demonstrated history leading large, infrastructure projects.
• Experience with advanced geotechnical modeling software.
• Proven experience in leadership, project management, and client management.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities.
• High proficiency in interpreting geological and geotechnical data.
• Strong decision-making and risk-assessment skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and lead diverse teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
• A valid driver license and insurable driving record.
• The ability to travel (drive or fly) to field sites per project needs and job sites locally and out of state.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds.
• Working in all weather conditions on uneven terrain.

Level Placement

Typically, depending on an applicant's education, experience, other qualifications they possess, if they are a fit for the company and local office culture, and the current business needs, a Principal-Level Geotechnical Engineer would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Associate Vice President or Vice President.

The base annual salary for this position will be $150,000 - $200,000.

Benefits

• Employee stock ownership
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
• Pre-tax health and daycare FSA
• Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe-harbor contributions
• 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees, based on years of experience (prorated for part-time employment)
• Sick leave accrues based on state requirements
• 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
• Paid volunteer dayPaid time off for bereavement and jury duty
• Two weeks of paid parental leave
• Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free parking

Equal Opportunity Employer

Shannon & Wilson is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

E-Verify Participation

Shannon & Wilson participates in the E-Verify program.