Principal Engineer

UES, Inc.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. in Birmingham, AL seeks a Principal Engineer to apply engineering principles to design, field assessments, and construction oversight. Lead multidisciplinary teams, review field data, and prepare technical reports while driving profitability and client satisfaction.

The role requires 15+ years in geotechnical/CMT, PE licensure, and strong leadership. Expect travel up to 70% to support field engagements and project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license with the ability to obtain additional state licenses as needed.
• 15+ years of experience in Geotechnical and/or CMT field.
• Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
• Knowledge of geotechnical and construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, and soil classifications.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, reports and memos.
• Ability to prepare field-testing documentation and detailed figures.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; able to manage multiple tasks in high-pressure environments.
• Willingness to travel up to 70% for field engagements.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical oversight on complex proposals and projects.
• Examine engineering reports, lot letters and field recommendations.
• Mentor and guide engineers and project managers.
• Generate technical reports and client documentation.
• Conduct site meetings, estimates, and project recommendations.
• Prepare and update project proposals and technical reports.
• Improve reporting procedures with senior management.
• Develop and manage projects with clients to ensure profitability.
• Support business development, networking and marketing.
• Review invoices for ongoing projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

AutoCAD

Boring Log software

Deep foundation software

Slope stability software

Laboratory software

Settlement software

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

As a Principal Engineer, will apply fundamental engineering principles to design, field assessments, and construction oversight. The position will complete projects for existing clients as well as contribute, lead, design, and streamline the daily engineering operations to ensure they align with the business objectives set forth by senior management, while supporting various departments.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical oversight and expertise on complex proposals and projects
• Examine engineering reports, lot letters and field recommendations produced by field staff
• Provide recommendations to leadership as well as mentorship and guidance to other engineers and project managers
• Generate reports, recommendations and other documentation needed by clients, including engineering and design
• Conduct site meetings, site estimates, and project recommendations for prospective and current clients
• Create, prepare and update project proposals and technical reports in a timely manner
• Collaborate with senior management to improve consistency and efficiency in reporting procedures
• Develop and manage projects with new and existing clients, ensuring profitability
• Participate in business development, networking and marketing
• Review, update and approve invoices weekly for on-going projects
• Maintain excellent communication both verbally and electronically with senior management, project managers and colleagues
• Maintain a billable utilization rate of 50%
• Follow all company safety procedures and policies
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university
• Professional Engineering license (PE) with the ability to obtain additional state licenses as needed
• Experience of 15+ years in Geotechnical and/or CMT field
• Valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record
• Knowledge of geotechnical and construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, and soil classifications
• Ability to calculate results from geotechnical/construction materials testing data
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, detailed reports, correspondence and memos
• Ability to accurately complete field-testing documentation and detailed figures
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to write technical reports, proposals, business correspondences and/or procedure manuals as needed
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations, to customers, clients, construction teams, and other employees of the organization
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Boring Log software, AutoCAD and other engineering design software, deep foundation software, slope stability software, laboratory software and settlement software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to use technology/computer
• Strong leadership skills and detail oriented
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute multiple tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, overtime, overnight and travel as needed

Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions such as precipitation, extreme cold or heat, dusty and noisy work environments.
• Office work requires long-term sitting and computer work
• The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:
  • Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as drive long distances
  • Frequent use of fingers, hands and arms for typing, cellphone
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, lift, carry, and push repetitively
  • Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate sometimes with noisy environments

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here