Principal Engineer - Geotechnical

UES, Inc.; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking a Principal Engineer - Geotechnical to provide senior technical leadership across our geotechnical practice in the West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie offices.

You will serve as a trusted authority, reviewing complex reports and guiding project teams in subsurface investigations, foundation design, and earthwork. The role requires a PE license with the ability to obtain additional state licenses, and 15+ years in geotechnical/CMT.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
• Professional Engineering license (PE) with ability to obtain additional state licenses.
• 15+ years of Geotechnical and/or CMT field experience.
• Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical authority for geotechnical projects.
• Provide technical leadership for high‑risk projects including subsurface investigations and foundation design.
• Review and approve geotechnical reports, calculations and recommendations.
• Mentor engineers and develop technical staff.
• Participate in client meetings and business development activities.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Technical leadership

Engineering judgment

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Boring Log software

Microsoft Office

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

UES is hiring for a Principal Engineer - Geotechnical to provide senior technical leadership and help advance our Geotechnical practice across our West Palm Beach and Port St.Lucie offices. This highly visible position will serve as a trusted technical authority, supporting complex projects, developing engineering talent, strengthening client relationships, and helping drive the continued growth of UES.

The Principal Engineer will provide high-level technical oversight and engineering expertise across a diverse portfolio of geotechnical projects, partnering closely with the Department Manager, Project Managers, Engineers, and field teams. This individual will be instrumental in solving complex engineering challenges, reviewing and approving technical deliverables, and providing quality and risk management oversight, and ensuring that our work consistently reflects UES's standards for excellence and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical authority and subject matter expert for geotechnical engineering projects.
• Provide technical leadership for complex or high-risk projects involving subsurface investigations, foundation design, earthwork, settlement, slope stability, retaining structures, groundwater conditions, and other geotechnical considerations.
• Review, evaluate, and approve geotechnical reports, engineering calculations, recommendations, specifications, and other technical deliverables.
• Provide technical consultation and troubleshooting support to Project Engineers, Project Managers, and field personnel.
• Perform and/or oversee advanced geotechnical analyses and develop practical engineering recommendations based on site conditions and project requirements
• Serve as Engineer of Record, when appropriate, and sign and seal engineering documents in accordance with applicable professional engineering requirements.
• Lead and participate in technical peer reviews and quality assurance, quality control processes.
• Mentor and develop engineers and other technical professionals, providing guidance on engineering judgment, report preparation, technical analysis, and career development.
• Participate in client meetings and technical presentations and represent the company as a trusted technical advisor.
• Support business development activities, including proposal preparation, scope development, fee estimates project pursuits, and technical presentations.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to expand existing client relationships and develop new business.
• Participate in professional organizations, technical committees, conferences, and industry events as appropriate.
• Perform 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience with Geotechnical investigations, subsurface exploration, foundation systems, settlement analysis, earthwork, slope stability, retaining structures, groundwater conditions, and construction-related geotechnical challenges.
• Proven experience serving as a senior technical authority, including reviewing, signing, and sealing complex geotechnical reports, calculations, and recommendations.
• Existing professional and industry relationships within the Palm Beach, Martin and St.Lucie County markets is highly desirable.
• Experience with a diverse project portfolio, including commercial, residential, municipal transportation, infrastructure, institutional, and land development projects.

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Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 20% 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.

#LI-ND1 #LI-ONSITE

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