Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Engineering Consulting Service; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead our transportation team in the Southeast. You will guide major infrastructure projects across hubs in NC, SC, GA, AL, and TN, serving as the region's technical authority.

You will mentor a multidisciplinary team and drive complex geotechnical designs, field exploration oversight, and client-facing growth initiatives within our geotechnical practice.

Qualifications

• 12 or more years of geotechnical and transportation engineering experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required; PG may be acceptable depending on state.
• Expertise with DOT Geotechnical Design Manual and AASHTO LRFD specifications.
• Proficiency in MicroStation/OpenRoads or similar for infrastructure projects.
• Senior technical reviewer experience at a prior engineering firm.
• Valid driver's license for travel to project sites and client meetings.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Technical reviewer

DOT/AASHTO knowledge

Travel readiness

Mentorship

Education

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

Tools

MicroStation

OpenRoads

gINT

LPile

APile

MSEW

FB-Pier

GRLWEAP

Job description

Responsibilities

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.

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 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.

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 transportation 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. To learn more, click here.

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