Principal Engineer - Transportation

Engineering Consulting Service; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead its transportation team in North Carolina. This role blends technical excellence with mentoring and business development, focusing on geotechnical and transportation projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in design and project management, guiding a team of engineers and technicians while ensuring high-quality deliverables. The company values its employees and offers a range of benefits, fostering a collaborative environment where innovation and professional growth are prioritized. Join a leader in engineering consulting and make a significant impact on infrastructure projects.

Benefits

Paid time off

Health insurance plans

Retirement plans

College savings plans

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and support to geotechnical staff.
• Mentor junior engineers and oversee project managers.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Transportation Engineering

Project Management

Technical Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

gINT

LPile

APile

MSEW

FB-Pier

GRLWEAP

MicroStation

Job description

What You'll Do

ECS is seeking a Principal Engineer to join our transportation team, providing technical expertise and leadership across transportation and other infrastructure projects in North Carolina. This role combines technical excellence with mentoring and business development responsibilities. Leading a team of experienced field staff, engineers, and scientists, the Principal Engineer will serve as a final reviewer of geotechnical reports, primary designer for more complex projects as needed, and contribute to departmental management, client development, and fostering the professional growth of staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Primary responsibilities include providing technical expertise and supporting geotechnical / transportation staff both within the branch and throughout the region.
• Mentor and coach junior and mid-level engineers, technicians, and staff project managers.
• Participate in the Associate Principal review committee and mentor candidates for this designation.
• Plan and oversee project managers on geotechnical explorations and field activities such as drilling, test pits, and inspections.
• Perform and review slope stability analyses, foundation designs (shallow and deep), retaining structures, and settlement evaluations.
• Serve as final reviewer and ensure the accuracy of geotechnical reports, designs, and project deliverables.
• Provide innovative design solutions to enhance project efficiency and performance.
• Act as a technical resource for project teams across the region, ensuring adherence to DOT and AASHTO specifications.

Client and Business Development:

• Host or attend client and internal project meetings to provide technical solutions.
• Assist with business development by maintaining and expanding client relationships and identifying growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with marketing efforts to showcase ECS services and capabilities.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required; Professional Geologist (P.G.) license may be acceptable in certain states.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering, with a focus on design, project management, and technical leadership.
• Expertise in DOT Geotechnical Design Manual (GDM), AASHTO LRFD specifications, and geotechnical software (e.g., gINT, LPile, APile, MSEW, FB-Pier, GRLWEAP).
• Proficiency in MicroStation is preferred.
• Proven track record of leading technical reviews and serving as a senior technical reviewer at a previous firm.
• Strong analytical, report-writing, and communication skills.
• Demonstrate initiative and leadership in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Valid driver’s license required for travel on behalf of ECS.

Note: This description provides a general overview of responsibilities and qualifications and may evolve with project and business needs.

Who We Are

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 2,800 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #64 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2024), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2024), and #28 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2024). For additional information about ECS click here.

We love our employees and we show this through providing some great benefits, including paid time off, health and other insurance plans, retirement and college savings plans, and more. Click here to learn more about the great benefits at ECS.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This means that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.