Principal Engineer - Land

Fugro-Geoteam AS; Walnut Creek (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Fugro Land Site Screening & Consulting seeks a Principal Engineer to lead geotechnical projects in the United States, from planning through construction support. The role requires 15+ years of experience, California PE and GE licenses, and strong client leadership to drive technical excellence, quality, safety, and profitable delivery across multidisciplinary teams.

You will mentor staff, manage budgets, and build long-term client relationships while ensuring compliance with regulations and

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience leading geotechnical projects.
• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering; professional licenses CA PE and GE.
• Strong leadership, client management and communication skills.
• Experience with planning, design and construction support.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex geotechnical projects from planning to construction support.
• Direct project execution, budgets, milestones and staffing.
• Mentor engineering staff and foster technical excellence.
• Maintain client relationships and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Geotechnical engineering

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

PE license (CA)

GE license (CA)

Master’s/PhD desirable in Geotech

Tools

Microsoft Office

Geotechnical software (Plaxis/Abaqus)

Job description

LocationWalnut Creek, California, United StatesStageExperienced LevelTimeFull timeTypeEmployeePlaceHybridJob DescriptionFugro 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 $170,000 - $225,000 per yearJob ResponsibilitiesLead 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 RequirementsAuthorized 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 requiredAdditional 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 performanceStrong 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.Disclaimer for recruitment agencies:Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated**.**Fugro USA posting DisclaimerFugro 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] Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegalFor more informationAshley MoralesTalent Acquisition Partner