Practice Leader - Geotechnical Engineering

Langan Engineering & Environmental Services; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Flexible work schedules

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Langan Engineering & Environmental Services is seeking a Geotechnical Practice Leader – Earthquake Engineering for the San Francisco Bay Area (also LA or Irvine). You will lead seismic geotechnical efforts, manage client interactions, mentor staff, and drive project success.

The role focuses on developing geotechnical design criteria, preparing reports and plans, and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver safe, resilient structures. Strong communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Development of site-specific ground motions for performance-based design (PBD).
• Mentorship, coaching, and review of staff on ground motions.
• Preparation of geotechnical reports, plans and specifications, including construction support.

Responsibilities

• Develop new business through seismic engineering market and client networks.
• Mentor staff and review technical work for quality and accuracy.
• Lead multiple projects with budgets, schedules, and client coordination.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and geotechnical recommendations.

Skills

Earthquake Engineering

Staff mentoring

Client interaction

Project leadership

Education

Master's in Geotechnical Engineering

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

gINT

Slide/SLOPE/W

PLAXIS

LPILE

GROUP

GRLWEAP

MSEW

SHAKE

DEEPSOIL

EZFRISK

OPENQUAKE

OPENSHA

NSHMP

Job description

Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands‑on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work. Consistently ranked among the top ten "Best Firms to Work For" and Engineering News-Record's top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.

Job Summary

Langan is seeking a Geotechnical Practice Leader – Earthquake Engineering to join its collaborative team in San Francisco Bay area (Langan is also open to this position in Los Angeles or Irvine offices). This individual will serve as a subject matter expert in Earthquake Engineering in our Geotechnical division while managing client interaction, developing business, providing staff training and project leadership, developing geotechnical design criteria for foundations, retaining structures, etc., preparation of technical reports, specifications, plans and directing geotechnical services during construction. In this role, you will have the opportunity to partner cross‑functionally with top industry leadership in driving the continued growth and success of Langan's Geotechnical practice with a specialization in Earthquake Engineering. Our team is dedicated to creating safer, more resilient structures that can withstand seismic events.

Job Responsibilities

• Development of new business through industry and network connections in the seismic engineering market
• Involvement in professional organizations within field of expertise
• Development of repeat business from existing clients through delivering excellent client services
• Mentorship, coaching, and review of work for staff on development of site‑specific ground motions
• Performance and management of multiple projects and tasks within specific budgets, schedules, and deadlines
• Preparation of technical reports, specifications, construction plans, and geotechnical recommendations, working experience with ground motions subspecialty and experience in development of site‑specific ground motions
• Preparation of proposals, coordinating projects, managing clients and managing billings
• Performance of other duties as requested

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field, PhD preferred
• Professional Engineer licensure
• Ability to obtain Geotechnical Engineer licensure
• 10+ years related geotechnical experience with ground motions subspecialty and experience in development of site‑specific ground motions
• Experience in the development of site‑specific ground motions for performance‑based design (PBD) both ergodic and non‑ergodic
• Experience in Peer review process associated with PBD
• Experience in geologic and seismic hazard evaluation
• Prior experience with geotechnical investigations and services during construction
• Office experience with investigation and field work coordination, geotechnical reports, and specification writing
• Prior field experience in: earthwork, shallow and deep foundation construction, load testing, ground improvements, retaining wall design and construction, and excavation support system design and inspection
• Desired software knowledge: gINT, Slide/SLOPE/W, PLAXIS, LPILE, GROUP, GRLWEAP, MSEW, SHAKE, DEEPSOIL, EZFRISK, OPENQUAKE, OPENSHA, NSHMP
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities
• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment
• Possess reliable transportation for client meetings and job site visits and a valid driver’s license in good standing. #LI-LP1

Benefits and Compensation

• full‑time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave
• 401(k)/Roth with company match
• paid time off including parental and military leave
• employee referral and professional license bonuses
• educational reimbursement
• employee resource groups
• flexible work schedules
• extensive training
• wellness programs
• buddy and mentoring programs
• much more

Employees are also eligible to receive up to 20 days of paid vacation time, 10 days of paid sick time and 10 paid holidays throughout the year. Eligibility and actual paid time off may vary based on local law and factors such as hours worked, related work experience and level.

Certain US jurisdictions require Langan to include an estimate of salary or hourly ranges. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as related work experience, location, market conditions, education/training, certifications and other credentials, as well as applicable knowledge and skills. Certain roles may be eligible for overtime and participation in the firm’s annual bonus and performance review program. Bonuses are discretionary and based on individual job performance and the profitability of the firm.

Pay Range $129,000 - $171,000 USD

Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well‑being and success of our employees.