Geotechnical Senior Project Engineer - Transportation

Engineering Consulting Service; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead major infrastructure and transportation programs across the Southeast. You will balance technical design with client management for DOT and large-scale projects, directing teams on geotechnical and construction materials testing tasks.

Your role includes overseeing field explorations, reporting, and ensuring compliance with DOT and AASHTO standards, while driving proposals and maintaining major client relationships for ECS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical or Geological Engineering.
• Professional Engineer license required; Professional Geologist may be acceptable in some states.
• 5+ years in geotechnical/transportation engineering focusing on design and leadership.
• Expertise with DOT GDM, AASHTO LRFD, and geotechnical software listed above.
• MicroStation proficiency preferred and a proven senior technical reviewer track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams on geotechnical and construction materials testing projects.
• Direct design of embankments, foundations, and subgrade stabilization using MicroStation/OpenRoads.
• Oversee field explorations, drilling, pits, and inspections as needed.
• Coordinate with DOT project managers and stakeholders to meet technical deadlines.
• Develop geotechnical reports and design packages with technical seals as required.
• Manage budgets and resources for on-time infrastructure deliverables.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Report-writing

Problem-solving

Initiative

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license

Professional Geologist (P.G.) license may be acceptable in some states

Tools

gINT

LPile

APile

MSEW

FB-Pier

GRLWEAP

MicroStation

Job description

Responsibilities

ECS is actively hiring Senior Geotechnical Engineers to lead major infrastructure and transportation initiatives across the Southeast. This role is designed for a technical leader who can balance complex engineering design with high-level client management for DOT and other large-scale infrastructure programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leading support for a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and designers on geotechnical and construction materials testing (CMT) projects.

• Direct the design of embankments, retaining structures, and subgrade stabilization, deep and shallow foundations using MicroStation and OpenRoads software.

• Oversee and plan geotechnical field explorations, including drilling, test pits, and inspections as needed.

• Act as the primary point of contact for DOT (or other agency) project managers and external stakeholders, ensuring technical requirements and deadlines are met for multiple concurrent major programs.

• Oversee the development of geotechnical engineering reports and design packages, providing technical seal as needed.

• Manage project budgets and resource allocation for on-time delivery for infrastructure deliverables.

• Execute business development strategies by identifying regional opportunities and leading the technical portion of proposal submissions.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key decision-makers at the DOT, municipal agencies, and Tier 1 prime consultants to ensure ECS remains a preferred partner.

• Ensure all technical deliverables and field operations maintain 100% compliance with NCDOT, AASHTO, and ASTM standards.

#LI-LG1

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or related field

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required; Professional Geologist (P.G.) license may be acceptable in certain states

• 5+ years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering, with a focus on design, project management, and technical leadership

• Expertise in DOT Geotechnical Design Manual (GDM), AASHTO LRFD specifications, and geotechnical software (e.g., gINT, LPile, APile, MSEW, FB-Pier, GRLWEAP)

• Proficiency in MicroStation is preferred

• Proven track record of leading technical reviews and serving as a senior technical reviewer at a previous firm

• Strong analytical, report-writing, and communication skills

• Demonstrate initiative and leadership in problem-solving and decision-making

• Valid driver’s license required for travel on behalf of ECS

If you’re ready to take your geotechnical expertise to the next level and make a visible impact on infrastructure that matters, ECS wants to hear from you. Let’s build the future of transportation—together.

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
• E-7

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), #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.