Geotechnical Principal

ECS Group of Companies; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies, headquartered in the United States, seeks a Geotechnical Principal to lead technical excellence and strategic direction across geotechnical projects. You will review reports, mentor leaders, and drive business development while maintaining ECS core values.

The role requires a PE/PG license, 12+ years of experience, and strong regional client networks. Expect execution oversight, risk management, and high-level client engagement with a focus on quality and financial

Qualifications

• 12 years of related experience.
• Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required.
• A professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license is required in each of the state(s) in which you work.
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required.
• Established reputation as a technical expert in geotechnical engineering.
• Strong regional or multi-regional client relationships.
• Proven success in business development and revenue growth.
• Advanced technical expertise across geotechnical engineering 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 geotechnical analysis software.
• Ability to mentor senior technical staff and future leaders.
• Professional training programs as required in the ECS Senior Technical Staff Policies and Procedures

Responsibilities

• Provides technical expertise and oversight across geotechnical projects
• Performs final technical review and approval of reports, calculations, and deliverables
• Ensures quality, accuracy, and consistency of technical output across projects and teams
• Oversees project performance at a strategic level and intervenes on complex or high-risk issues
• Mentors Associate Principals, Senior Project Managers, and emerging leaders
• Supports and leads business development efforts and client relationship growth
• Reviews and approves proposals, contracts, and major project decisions
• Contributes to departmental and regional financial performance (P&L awareness)
• Participates in staffing decisions, recruiting, and team development
• Represents the firm as a technical expert in the industry and community
• Participates in organizational leadership initiatives and technical committees
• Performs other leadership and technical duties as assigned

Skills

12 years of related experience

Geotechnical leadership

Client relationships

Business development

Project management

Risk management

Mentoring/leadership

Effective communication

Technical decision making

Education

Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar

Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license

Tools

Advanced geotechnical analysis software

Job description

The Geotechnical Principal serves as the highest level of technical leadership within the geotechnical practice, responsible for ensuring overall quality, performance, and strategic direction of projects and services. This role provides final technical authority, oversees regional technical execution, and drives business development and client relationships at the highest level. The Geotechnical Principal operates as a subject matter expert, mentor, and leader while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating ECS Core Values.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical expertise and oversight across geotechnical projects
• Performs final technical review and approval of reports, calculations, and deliverables
• Ensures quality, accuracy, and consistency of technical output across projects and teams
• Oversees project performance at a strategic level and intervenes on complex or high-risk issues
• Mentors Associate Principals, Senior Project Managers, and emerging leaders
• Supports and leads business development efforts and client relationship growth
• Reviews and approves proposals, contracts, and major project decisions
• Contributes to departmental and regional financial performance (P&L awareness)
• Participates in staffing decisions, recruiting, and team development
• Represents the firm as a technical expert in the industry and community
• Participates in organizational leadership initiatives and technical committees
• Performs other leadership and technical duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 12 years of related experience
• Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required
• A professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license is required in each of the state(s) in which you work
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required.
• Established reputation as a technical expert in geotechnical engineering
• Strong regional or multi-regional client relationships
• Proven success in business development and revenue growth
• Advanced technical expertise across geotechnical engineering 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 geotechnical analysis software
• Ability to mentor senior technical staff and future leaders
• Strong financial and operational awarenessProfessional 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 $90k - $110k/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.