Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Business Unit Leader (Office Manager)

SOCOTEC, Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC, Inc. in Tucson, Arizona seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead the GeoTechnical office as Business Unit Leader and Principal-in-Charge. You will supervise project teams, oversee budgets, ensure technical quality, and grow client relationships.

Required are a PE license, 10+ years in engineering project leadership, 5+ years in CMT, and strong geotechnical software skills. The role involves field site visits and strategic growth to advance the US GeoTechnical practice.

Qualifications

• Leadership and people management experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel to field sites.

Responsibilities

• Oversee division operations, budgets, and workload planning.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge on major projects, providing technical oversight and quality review.
• Mentor and guide project managers and technical staff.
• Manage client relationships, contracts, and project deliverables.
• Track KPIs, financial performance, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Support business development and strategic growth initiatives.
• Manage construction materials testing field and lab operations during the initial growth stage.

Job description

Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Business Unit Leader (Office Manager)

• Full-time
• Department: US - GeoTechnical

About SOCOTEC:

SOCOTEC is a provider of niche consulting services within the architecture, engineering and construction industries focusing on high-performance buildings and specialty structures. Through an integrated, holistic approach, our professionals provide solutions for building envelope, energy efficiency, sustainability, code advisory and construction advisory projects.

• SOCOTEC offers competitive salary and benefits, mentorship, training, and social activities.

• SOCOTEC is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work by the renowned global authority on workplace culture, Great Place to Work.

We're seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead our Tucson, Arizona office as Business Unit Leader (Office Manager) and Principal-in-Charge. This role combines technical leadership, business development, and team management to drive operational and financial success.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee division operations, budgets, and workload planning
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge on major projects, providing technical oversight and quality review
• Mentor and guide project managers and technical staff
• Manage client relationships, contracts, and project deliverables
• Track KPIs, financial performance, and implement corrective actions as needed
• Support business development and strategic growth initiatives
• Manage construction materials testing field and lab operations during the initial growth stage

• B.S. or M.S. in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience managing engineering projects and teams.
• 5+ years experience in the construction materials testing (CMT) industry
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in geotechnical design software.
• Ability to visit field sites as needed; valid driver's license required.

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

For more information, please visit www.socotec.us

Job Type: Full-Time; in-office

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.