Principal Geotechnical Engineer

ECS Southeast, LLP; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our Charlotte, NC team. You will provide technical leadership across major infrastructure projects and mentor multidisciplinary staff while serving as a regional technical authority.

The role encompasses reviewing geotechnical reports, managing design packages, and guiding field exploration. A PE license and extensive geotechnical/transportation experience are required, with leadership and business development

Qualifications

• 12+ years of geotechnical and transportation engineering experience.
• PE license required; PG license may be acceptable depending on state requirements.
• GDM and AASHTO LRFD specifications knowledge.
• Proficiency in MicroStation, OpenRoads or similar programs.
• Senior technical reviewer experience at a previous firm.
• Valid driver’s license for travel to sites and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Serve as final technical reviewer and signatory for geotechnical reports and designs.
• Oversee geotechnical report development and design packages with Engineer of Record seal.
• Provide technical mentorship across branch and region.
• Lead designs for slope stability, foundations, retaining structures, and settlements.
• Direct field exploration activities including drilling, test pits, and site inspections.
• Drive business development by meeting clients and identifying growth opportunities.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Transportation engineering

Leadership / mentoring

PE license

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil/Geotechnical/Geological Engineering or related field

Tools

gINT

LPile

APile

MSEW

FB-Pier

GRLWEAP

MicroStation

OpenRoads

Job description

Responsibilities

ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in Charlotte, NC! As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with ECS you will provides 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 building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 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 #38 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.