Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Business Unit Leader (Office Manager) Tucson

SOCOTEC, Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC, Inc. in Tucson, AZ is seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead the office as Business Unit Leader (Office Manager) and Principal-in-Charge. This role blends technical leadership, project oversight, and team management to drive growth and successful outcomes.

You will mentor staff, manage key client relationships and budgets, and guide field and lab operations during the initial growth phase, with a focus on quality and safety.

Qualifications

• 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 and field site visits.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational

Geotechnical design software

Client relationships

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Geotechnical design software

Job description

Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Business Unit Leader (Office Manager) - Tucson, AZ

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.

Job Description

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

Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Information

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.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Business Unit Leader (Office Manager)