Principal Geotechnical Engineer

ECS Group of Companies; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional engineering consulting firm is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to provide technical leadership for major transportation projects. You will be responsible for overseeing geotechnical engineering reports, mentoring staff, and leading complex engineering designs. Candidates should have at least 12 years of experience, a PE license, and proficiency in MicroStation and gINT. This role offers the opportunity to work with an employee-owned company recognized in the industry for its commitment to quality and growth.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Expertise in DOT Geotechnical Design Manual and AASHTO specifications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the final technical reviewer for geotechnical reports.
• Oversee the development of geotechnical engineering reports.
• Lead complex engineering designs and direct field activities.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Transportation engineering

Technical leadership

Mentorship

Business development

Proficiency in MicroStation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

OpenRoads

gINT

LPile

APile

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 facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #66 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2025), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.