Principal, Geotechnical Engineer

Haley & Aldrich; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance‑based bonus

Job summary

Haley & Aldrich in Seattle, WA is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead high‑performing teams, grow client relationships, and deliver innovative geotechnical solutions for complex projects in the built and natural environments.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on project oversight, supporting business development, maintaining client portfolios, and guiding staff development while advancing safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in civil engineering with a concentration in geotechnical engineering.
• 20+ years of strategic geotechnical engineering consulting experience with 10+ years of that experience in Washington state.
• Washington Professional Engineer (PE) registration.
• Demonstrated expertise in both business development and project leadership, with experience safely and profitably leading high‑revenue projects and client portfolios.
• Proven success in achieving a minimum of $1.5 million in annual net revenue from consulting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas and lead client and internal discussions effectively.
• Proven leadership experience in building and managing diverse teams, mentoring staff, and fostering collaboration.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic growth, client needs, and company profitability.
• Ability to travel occasionally for business development and office collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the company’s portfolio by developing and maintaining strategic client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and driving significant revenue growth.
• Oversee large, complex projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they meet technical, budgetary, and client satisfaction goals. Serve as a senior leader on project teams and oversee all phases of service delivery.
• Build and guide high‑performance teams, fostering a collaborative environment. Mentor emerging talent and promote staff development through hands‑on coaching and leadership during project execution.
• Contribute to the company’s long‑term strategy by identifying new markets, services, and technologies, and leading proposals for high‑impact projects.
• Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with company and client Health & Safety protocols and demonstrate our foundational safety behaviors.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Business development

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Written and verbal communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Master’s degree in civil engineering (geotechnical)

Job description

Principal, Geotechnical Engineer

Seattle, WA, United States | req2129

Find your path and enjoy the journey at Haley & Aldrich. With us, you’ll tackle clients’ most meaningful challenges in the built and natural environments – and, in turn, build stronger communities. You’ll work with teams of passionate colleagues, driven by a commitment to technical excellence and continuous learning.

As a company, we aim to build a world where communities go beyond resilience, embracing change as an opportunity to enhance safety, well-being, and quality of life. Join us to accelerate this vision and your professional development.

We are seeking an experienced and accomplished Principal, Geotechnical Engineer to lead high‑performing teams, cultivate deep client relationships, and deliver innovative solutions. This role offers an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering strategic value and driving meaningful outcomes for our clients and team. This strategic hire will support leadership succession and expand relationships with clients throughout Washington. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and contribute to a dynamic and growing company, we’d love to hear from you! The role is full‑time and based in our Seattle, WA office.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

In this position, you will:

• Lead and grow the company’s portfolio by developing and maintaining strategic client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and driving significant revenue growth.


• Oversee large, complex projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they meet technical, budgetary, and client satisfaction goals. Serve as a senior leader on project teams and oversee all phases of service delivery.


• Build and guide high‑performance teams, fostering a collaborative environment. Mentor emerging talent and promote staff development through hands‑on coaching and leadership during project execution.


• Contribute to the company’s long‑term strategy by identifying new markets, services, and technologies, and leading proposals for high‑impact projects.


• Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with company and client Health & Safety protocols and demonstrate our foundational safety behaviors.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Minimum Skills and Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in civil engineering with a concentration in geotechnical engineering.


• 20+ years of strategic geotechnical engineering consulting experience with 10+ years of that experience in Washington state.


• Washington Professional Engineer (PE) registration.


• Demonstrated expertise in both business development and project leadership, with experience safely and profitably leading high‑revenue projects and client portfolios.


• Proven success in achieving a minimum of $1.5 million in annual net revenue from consulting.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas and lead client and internal discussions effectively.


• Proven leadership experience in building and managing diverse teams, mentoring staff, and fostering collaboration.


• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic growth, client needs, and company profitability.


• Ability to travel occasionally for business development and office collaboration.

Preferred Skills

• Significant experience serving local government, transportation, and private clients in Washington, with established relationships and insights into industry trends.


• Ability to grow our portfolio of projects


• Experience presenting at conferences or contributing within professional organizations.


• Familiarity with local and regional regulations and policies applicable to geotechnical engineering, ports, transportation, tall buildings, and public infrastructure.


• A passion for continuous learning, staying at the forefront of industry developments, and contributing to innovation within the company.

The salary range for this position in Seattle, WA is $200,000 - $260,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based upon a variety of factors such as education, related work experience, certificates, skills, and current market conditions. Haley & Aldrich reviews salary ranges each quarter to assess competitiveness with the market. This role is eligible to participate in the company's performance‑based bonus program. This bonus is based on overall company performance and the results achieved compared to peers.

About Haley & Aldrich

Haley & Aldrich is committed to solving our clients’ most meaningful challenges in the built and natural environments. Our team of 1,000+ engineers and scientists across the United States draws inspiration from one mission: to work closely with clients as they navigate change to create safer, more robust places to live and work. Since our founding in 1957, organizations across the public and private sectors have relied on us for technical excellence and empathetic leadership that achieve results and secure a thriving tomorrow.

Haley & Aldrich is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, age, disability, veteran, or any other legally protected status.

We offer excellent career growth, a highly competitive total compensation plan, and a solid benefits package.

Interested candidates should apply on our Careers page.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES AND LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Haley & Aldrich, an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans´ Readjustment Act of 1974, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and pursuant to Executive Order 13166, applicants with disabilities or limited English proficiency that require accommodation in the job application process may contact 1-617-886-7400 for assistance.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.