Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Kleinfelder Inc.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 124,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Kleinfelder Inc. is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in Denver, Colorado. Candidates must have 12+ years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field, with a Professional Engineering (PE) license. The role involves technical leadership and project management across power, transportation, industrial, and water sectors.

This position supports both on-site and potentially remote work, requiring strong communication and technical skills, as well as proficiency in related software. Comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary ranging from $124,000 - $182,000 are offered.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in a consulting engineering firm.
• Professional Engineering (PE) licensure required.
• Excellent technical and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present technical presentations to clients.
• Assess site geology and geologic hazards.
• Plan and oversee subsurface explorations.

Skills

Technical leadership

Communication

Geotechnical engineering

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Lpile

Apile

GeoStudio Suite

Job description

Job Description

Take Your Geotechnical Career to the Next Level

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people‑first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Geotechnical team is looking for you! From earthquake and seismic engineering to the latest trenchless technology methods, Kleinfelder's Geotechnical Services support the planning, engineering, and construction of complex projects, and our specialists are leading experts in their fields.

Step into Your New Role

Kleinfelder is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with 12+ years of experience to join our Denver, CO based team. Qualified candidates must possess at least a B.S. in Civil Engineering (geotechnical emphasis), Geological Engineering, or related field plus a Professional Engineering (PE) license. Candidates with a Master’s degree in the above disciplines are strongly preferred but not required. Candidates must possess excellent technical, organizational, interpersonal, communication, computer, and writing skills. The candidate must be able to function well in large and small teams comprised of technical and non‑technical professionals with diverse experience and qualifications. The ideal candidate will have diverse geotechnical experience in multiple geologic environments and markets throughout the contiguous United States. This position involves technical leadership, oversight of analysis and geotechnical engineering, and project management on projects primarily in the power, transportation, industrial, and water market sectors.

While this role is primarily based on‑site, we’re open to remote arrangements for the right candidate who brings exceptional skills, experience, and alignment with our mission. If you're passionate, self‑driven, and thrive in a virtual environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and presenting technical presentations to clients, extracurricular organizations, and internal training programs.
• Assessment of site geology and geologic hazards.
• Planning and technical oversight of subsurface explorations, foundation load testing, and laboratory testing.
• Geotechnical engineering activities may include one or more of the following: evaluation of shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, pavement design, embankment dams, and large earthmoving projects.
• Perform independent technical reviews of calculations, analysis, plans, specifications, and reports prepared by other colleagues.
• Develop or guide the development of workflow processes and tools to streamline the work.
• Professionally train and mentor technical and non‑technical staff at all levels.
• Being externally focused on growing client relationships and developing business through the work.
• Capturing business development opportunities through preparation of technical proposals.
• Effectively uses knowledge of and adheres to Kleinfelder workflows, processes, and policies to secure project resources, complete proposals, develop contracts, maintain project records, monitor project performance, bill clients, collect receivables, and close out.
• Will assist team members in resource sharing efforts, provide loss prevention system (LPS) stewardship, and facilitate collaboration with markets managers.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of experience and education required; Master’s preferred.

Experience

12+ years of related experience in a consulting engineering firm or related service business and knowledge of applicable laws and regulations required; or 8 years related experience with a Master’s; or 6 years related experience with a PhD.

Certification/Registration

Professional Engineering licensure required.

Other Knowledge and Skills

Superior communication skills and in-depth knowledge of company products and operations. High level of technical expertise and knowledge of current scientific information in specialty area. Reputation as subject matter expert based on publications and presentations desired. Proficiency in software including Lpile, Apile, Shaft, GeoStudio Suite, Settle3D, slope stability analyses, or similar is necessary for this role.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Benefits

Kleinfelder offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.

Salary

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary range: $124,000 - $182,000. We will be accepting applications through 6/12/2026 (90 days from posting date).

Equal Opportunity

Kleinfelder, and its subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)