Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Socket.dev; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) is seeking a Geotechnical Principal to provide the highest level of technical leadership and strategic direction for our geotechnical practice. This role ensures quality and performance across projects, mentors leaders, and drives client relationships at the highest level.

The candidate will oversee regional execution, review complex reports, and participate in business development and major project decisions.

Qualifications

• 12 years of related experience in geotechnical engineering.
• PE or PG license in the state(s) of work.
• Proven leadership and strong regional client relationships.
• Track record in business development and revenue growth.
• Ability to sign final technical reviews of reports and calculations.
• Experience in risk management and project management.
• Proficiency with advanced geotechnical analysis software.
• Ability to mentor senior staff and future leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical leadership across geotechnical projects.
• Oversees final technical review and approval of deliverables.
• Maintains quality and consistency of outputs across teams.
• Drives business development and client relationships at a senior level.
• Mentors associates and emerging leaders.
• Reviews proposals, contracts, and major project decisions.
• Contributes to regional financial performance and staffing decisions.
• Represents the firm as a technical expert in industry and community.
• Leads organizational leadership initiatives and committees.
• Performs other leadership and technical duties as assigned.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Client relationships

Business development

Project management

Technical mentorship

Financial awareness

Education

Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology

Tools

Advanced geotechnical analysis software

Job description

Responsibilities

The Geotechnical Principal serves as the highest level of technical leadership within the geotechnical practice, responsible for ensuring overall quality, performance, and strategic direction of projects and services. This role provides final technical authority, oversees regional technical execution, and drives business development and client relationships at the highest level. The Geotechnical Principal operates as a subject matter expert, mentor, and leader while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating ECS Core Values.

• Provides technical expertise and oversight across geotechnical projects
• Performs final technical review and approval of reports, calculations, and deliverables
• Ensures quality, accuracy, and consistency of technical output across projects and teams
• Oversees project performance at a strategic level and intervenes on complex or high-risk issues
• Mentors Associate Principals, Senior Project Managers, and emerging leaders
• Supports and leads business development efforts and client relationship growth
• Reviews and approves proposals, contracts, and major project decisions
• Contributes to departmental and regional financial performance (P&L awareness)
• Participates in staffing decisions, recruiting, and team development
• Represents the firm as a technical expert in the industry and community
• Participates in organizational leadership initiatives and technical committees
• Performs other leadership and technical duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 12 years of related experience
• Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required
• A professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license is required in each of the state(s) in which you work
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required.
• Established reputation as a technical expert in geotechnical engineering
• Strong regional or multi-regional client relationships
• Proven success in business development and revenue growth
• Advanced technical expertise across geotechnical engineering disciplines
• Proven leadership and decision-making capability at an organizational level
• Strong business development and client relationship skills
• Extensive experience in project management, risk management, and consulting
• Ability to perform and sign as the final technical review of reports and calculations
• Strong understanding of regional geologic conditions and industry challenges
• Proficiency with advanced geotechnical analysis software
• Ability to mentor senior technical staff and future leaders
• Strong financial and operational awareness
• Professional training programs as required in the ECS Senior Technical Staff Policies and Procedures

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education, certification, and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
• E-8+

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.