Geotechnical Senior Project Manager / Department Manager

LVI Associates; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

License reimbursement

Job summary

LVI Associates seeks a Senior Geotechnical Project Manager/Department Manager to lead and expand the geotechnical practice in Houston. You will own the department, mentor staff, nurture client relationships, and drive strategic growth in a well-established Texas firm.

The role targets a licensed Geotechnical Engineer seeking senior leadership opportunities, with autonomy, support, and long-term career development in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• PE license required.
• Experience managing geotechnical projects.
• Strong communication and BD skills.
• Leadership experience mentoring staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution and delivery of geotechnical engineering projects from proposal through completion.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, staffing, and client expectations.
• Oversee subsurface investigations, geotechnical analyses, foundation recommendations, earthwork evaluations, and report preparation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and develop long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support business development initiatives through networking, client meetings, proposal preparation, and identifying new opportunities.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, project managers, and technical staff.
• Provide technical review and quality assurance for geotechnical reports and engineering recommendations.
• Assist with departmental planning, operational improvements, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership to expand market presence and increase revenue within the Houston region.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Business development

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelors in Civil/Geotechnical Eng.

Job description

A well-established employee-focused engineering consulting firm with a strong presence across Texas and a reputation for delivering high-quality geotechnical, construction materials testing, and engineering services to both public and private sector clients.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Senior Geotechnical Project Manager / Department Manager to lead and expand their geotechnical operations in the Houston market. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of an established department, mentor technical staff, strengthen client relationships, and play a key role in shaping the future growth of the practice.

This position is ideal for a licensed Geotechnical Engineer looking to take the next step into leadership or an existing Department Manager seeking greater autonomy, support, and long-term career growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the execution and delivery of geotechnical engineering projects from proposal through completion.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, staffing, and client expectations.
• Oversee subsurface investigations, geotechnical analyses, foundation recommendations, earthwork evaluations, and report preparation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and develop long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support business development initiatives through networking, client meetings, proposal preparation, and identifying new opportunities.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, project managers, and technical staff.
• Provide technical review and quality assurance for geotechnical reports and engineering recommendations.
• Assist with departmental planning, operational improvements, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership to expand market presence and increase revenue within the Houston region.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Experience managing geotechnical engineering projects and client relationships.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical investigations, foundation systems, retaining structures, earthwork, and site development projects.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience mentoring technical staff.
• Strong communication and business development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of technical quality and client satisfaction.

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

This is more than a traditional project management position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the direction of a growing geotechnical practice while working alongside an experienced leadership team that values entrepreneurial thinking and professional development.

Highlights Include:

• Leadership role with significant influence over department growth and operations.
• Strong backlog of work supported by long-standing client relationships and repeat business.
• Diverse project portfolio across commercial, industrial, energy, transportation, land development, infrastructure, and public-sector markets.
• Established multidisciplinary platform with internal resources and technical support.
• Opportunity to develop and grow a team while building your own client base.
• Clear career progression and long-term leadership potential.
• Collaborative culture with direct access to senior decision-makers.
• Stable organization with a strong reputation and continued investment in the Texas market.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• PE licensing and professional membership reimbursement