Principal Geotechnical Engineer

ECS Group of Companies; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead our transportation team in the Southeast. This role offers technical leadership on major infrastructure projects and the opportunity to work from our hubs across the Southeast, including NC, SC, GA, AL, and TN.

The position emphasizes mentoring staff, delivering technically sound reports, and driving project growth while ensuring DOT and AASHTO compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the final technical reviewer for geotechnical reports and ensure 100% accuracy of designs and deliverables.
• Oversee development of geotechnical reports and design packages with signature as Engineer of Record.
• Provide technical expertise for geotechnical and transportation staff focusing on DOT and AASHTO specifications.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, technicians, designers, and project managers.
• Lead complex designs for slope stability, foundations, retaining structures, and settlements.
• Direct field exploration activities including drilling, test pits, and site inspections.
• Drive business development by attending client meetings and identifying growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with review committees to mentor future leadership candidates.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

PE license

Mentorship

Engineering leadership

MicroStation/OpenRoads

Education

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

Tools

gINT

LPile

APile

MSEW

FB-Pier

GRLWEAP

MicroStation/OpenRoads

Job description

ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our transportation team in the Southeast. This role provides technical leadership for major infrastructure projects. This person can be located in any of our major hubs across the Southeast, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the final technical reviewer for geotechnical reports, 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 and transportation staff across the branch and region, focusing on DOT and AASHTO specifications.
• 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.

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 transportation projects simultaneously.
• Active participation in industry organizations such as ASCE, ACEC, or specialized geotechnical institutes.

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. To learn more, click here.