Principal Engineer - Land

Fugro; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Fugro USA seeks a Principal Engineer to lead geotechnical engineering services, driving technical excellence and client success across complex projects from planning to construction support.

Requirements include 15+ years in geotechnical leadership, PE and GE licenses in California, and a Master’s degree in geotechnical related field or PhD desirable; proficiency with MS Office and engineering software is expected.

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States without restrictions.
• 15+ years of experience leading and delivering complex geotechnical projects.
• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering required.
• Master’s degree in Geotechnical or related field desirable; PhD desirable.
• California PE and GE licenses required; strong client and financial acumen expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead as Principal-in-Charge and Technical Lead for geotechnical projects from planning through construction support.
• Oversee project execution: schedules, milestones, resources, budgets, forecasting, invoicing, performance metrics.
• Oversee investigations, field programs, lab tests, analyses, design evaluations, and construction-phase services.
• Review and approve execution plans, risk assessments, calculations, reports, specs for quality and compliance.
• Provide guidance on complex geotechnical challenges and innovative engineering solutions.
• Mentor multidisciplinary teams and develop staff professionally.
• Maintain strong client relationships and act as primary technical contact.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Project Leadership

Client Relationships

Regulatory Compliance

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering/Geotechnical Engineering

Master’s degree in Geotechnical or related field

PhD desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Engineering software

Job description

Job Description Fugro Land Site Screening & Consulting provides geotechnical, geophysical, environmental, and Geo-data consulting services that help clients make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle, from initial site selection through design and construction. By combining site characterization, geo-risk assessments, ground modeling, and digital analytics, the team identifies potential constraints and opportunities early, reducing uncertainty, minimizing risk, and helping clients deliver safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective infrastructure and development projects. The Principal Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for the strategic direction, technical excellence, and successful delivery of geotechnical engineering services. This role provides oversight of complex projects, develops and maintains key client relationships, mentors engineering staff, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations, industry standards, and professional engineering practices. The Principal Engineer functions as a trusted advisor to clients, project teams, and company leadership, supporting business growth while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and technical performance. The position includes interacting with multidisciplinary teams in the planning, investigation, analysis, design, and construction support of public and private infrastructure, transportation, energy, and other commercial projects.

Base Salary range for this job opportunity is $150,000 to $190,000 per year

Job Responsibilities

• Lead by example and uphold Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental principles, ensuring employees, clients, communities, and company operations are never knowingly placed at risk.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge and/or Technical Lead for complex geotechnical engineering projects, providing leadership from planning through construction support.
• Direct project execution by overseeing schedules, milestones, resources, budgets, forecasting, invoicing, and performance metrics to achieve technical, financial, and contractual objectives.
• Oversee geotechnical investigations, field exploration programs, laboratory testing, engineering analyses, design evaluations, and construction-phase services.
• Review and approve project execution plans, methodologies, risk assessments, engineering analyses, calculations, reports, specifications, and other deliverables to ensure technical excellence, quality, and compliance with client requirements, company standards, and applicable regulations.
• Provide expert guidance on complex geotechnical challenges and drive the application of innovative, practical, and fit-for-purpose engineering solutions.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams by providing technical direction, mentoring, and support to ensure successful project delivery and professional development.
• Foster strong client relationships by serving as a trusted advisor and primary technical point of contact, ensuring effective collaboration with clients, project teams, laboratories, and operational stakeholders.
• Support business growth through strategic planning, market development, contract negotiations, proposal preparation, client presentations, and participation in interviews and qualifications submissions.
• Monitor and improve operational effectiveness, project efficiency, productivity, profitability, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Promote technical excellence through mentorship, training, knowledge sharing, lessons learned, publications, and participation in professional organizations, conferences, and industry forums.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, professional engineering practices, and local, state, and federal regulations.

Job Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States, without restrictions.
• Possess a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or related field of study required.
• Master’s degree in Geotechnical or related field or PhD desirable.
• Have a minimum of 15 years or more of experience in leading and executive complex geotechnical projects.
• Advanced understanding of soi and rock mechanics, foundation engineering, seismic design, and numerical modeling.
• Strong knowledge of geologic hazards, construction observation and performance monitoring programs.
• Strong business and financial acumen and strategic thinking stills.
• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management ability.
• PE and GE license in California required.

Additional Qualifications and Professional Competencies desirable

• Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing, technical review, and preparation of professional engineering reports, proposals, and client deliverables.
• Experience leading operational excellence initiatives and managing project financial performance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other business, project management, and engineering software applications relevant to the position.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.

What’s in it for you?

At Fugro, our people are truly our number one priority and are central to our purpose to create a safe and livable world. Our values set the foundation for our unique culture: we are determined to deliver, we prepare for tomorrow, we do what’s right, and we build trust. Our talent philosophy is seeded by our values and fueled by a passion for learning, developing leadership behaviors, transparency, and accountability. Fugro offers opportunities to sharpen skills and provide career growth through on-the-job learning experiences, LinkedIn Learning access, business and technical training, and leadership development programs. We value the mental, physical, and financial health of our employees and their families and offer a variety of flexible work models. Fugro USA’s comprehensive benefits package also ensures you have choices that fit your needs at any life stage.

Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full life cycle.

Employing approximately 9000 talented people in 61 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2020, revenue amounted to EUR 1.4 billion. Fugro is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal

Fugro is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the recruitment process are encouraged to contact Human Resources directly at 713-369-5699 or [e-mail].