Geotechnical Principal

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC is seeking a Geotechnical Principal in Williamsburg, VA to provide top-level technical leadership across geotechnical projects. You will oversee regional execution, mentor leaders, and drive business development while maintaining ECS core values.

The role requires 12 years of experience, a Civil/Geotechnical engineering degree, and a P.E. or P.G. license in respective states. Strong client relationships and strategic decision-making are essential.

Qualifications

• 12 years of related experience.
• Bachelor's and/or Master's in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering or geology.
• P.E. or P.G. license in each state of work.
• Driver's license required when driving for ECS.
• Established technical expert in geotechnical engineering.
• Strong regional client relationships and business development success.
• Leadership and organizational decision-making capability.
• Experience in project management, risk management and consulting.
• Ability to sign final technical reviews.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across geotechnical projects.
• Perform final technical review and approval of reports and calculations.
• Ensure quality and consistency of outputs across teams.
• Oversee regional execution and strategic project performance.
• Mentor Associate Principals, Senior Project Managers, and leaders.
• Lead business development and client relationship growth.
• Review proposals, contracts, and major project decisions.
• Contribute to departmental and regional P&L awareness.
• Participate in staffing decisions and team development.
• Represent ECS as a technical industry leader.

Skills

Technical leadership

Geotechnical engineering

Business development

Client relationships

Project management

Risk management

Mentoring

Decision making

Financial awareness

Staff development

Education

Civil/Geotechnical engineering degree

P.E. or P.G. license

Tools

Geotechnical analysis software

Job description

Responsibilities

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.

• 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

Qualifications

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 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 $105k - $120k/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 3,00 employees in 100+ 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.