Principal Engineer, Geotechnical

Engineering Consulting Service; Lexington (SC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Engineering Consulting Service is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Columbia, SC, to provide technical leadership for major projects in public infrastructure and commercial sectors. This role involves leading a multidisciplinary team and mentoring staff while ensuring project deliverables are accurate.

With over 12 years of experience required, candidates should hold a Professional Engineer license and have expertise in geotechnical design manuals. Join ECS, a leader in engineering consulting, to advance your career.

Qualifications

• 12 or more years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Documented expertise in DOT Geotechnical Design Manual and AASHTO LRFD specifications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the final technical reviewer for geotechnical reports and designs.
• Oversee development of geotechnical engineering reports and design packages.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and technicians.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Transportation engineering

Project management

Mentorship

MicroStation

OpenRoads

Education

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

Tools

gINT

LPile

APile

MSEW

FB-Pier

GRLWEAP

Job description

Responsibilities

ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in Columbia, SC! As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with ECS you will provide technical leadership for major projects across multiple sectors – public infrastructure, commercial, industrial, mission critical/data center and much more. Combining technical excellence with mentorship and business development, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of field staff, engineers, and scientists while serving as a primary technical authority for the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the final technical reviewer and signatory for geotechnical reports, designs, plans and analysis, ensuring 100% accuracy of designs and project deliverables.
• Oversee the development of geotechnical engineering reports and design packages, providing technical seal and signature as the Engineer of Record.
• Provide technical expertise for geotechnical staff across the branch and region, focusing on various local, regional, and state regulations.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, technicians, designers, and project managers to support professional growth and internal promotion.
• Lead complex engineering designs for slope stability, shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and settlement evaluations.
• Direct project managers on field exploration activities, including drilling, test pits, and site inspections.
• Drive business development by attending client meetings and identifying growth opportunities to expand our transportation portfolio.
• Collaborate with the Associate Principal review committee to identify and mentor future leadership candidates.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• 12 or more years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required; Professional Geologist (PG) license may be acceptable depending on state requirements.
• Documented expertise in DOT Geotechnical Design Manual (GDM) and AASHTO LRFD specifications.
• Proficiency in MicroStation, OpenRoads or similar programs for infrastructure and highway design projects.
• Proven track record of serving as a senior technical reviewer at a previous engineering firm.
• Valid driver’s license for travel to project sites and client meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Utilize specialized software including gINT, LPile, APile, MSEW, FB-Pier, and GRLWEAP to deliver innovative design solutions.
• Experience managing 3 or more large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Active participation in industry organizations such as ASCE, ACEC, or specialized geotechnical institutes.

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 facilities consulting services. We are employee‑owned with more than 3,000 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 #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more.