Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Construction Materials Testing (CMT)

ECS Group of Companies; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm is seeking a Principal Engineer in Austin, Texas. This senior position focuses on technical leadership in geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing. Responsibilities include final reviews of technical reports, oversight of subsurface exploration, and mentoring engineering staff. The ideal candidate must hold a relevant bachelor's degree, have an active Professional Engineer license, and possess over 12 years of experience in the field. Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth are included.

Qualifications

• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license.
• 12+ years of experience in engineering consulting specific to geotechnics.
• Experience as a final reviewer for technical reports and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Serve as final technical reviewer and Engineer-of-Record for reports.
• Provide oversight on subsurface exploration programs.
• Guide technical deliverables including reports and recommendations.
• Lead technical guidance for CMT operations.
• Support laboratory management and quality systems.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff.
• Participate in client meetings for technical solutions.
• Contribute to local business development.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentorship

Risk reduction

Client-facing consulting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

ECS is hiring a Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing (CMT) work in the Austin market. This is a senior technical and strategic role focused on final technical review, risk reduction, staff mentorship, laboratory oversight, and client‑facing consulting across a portfolio of public and private sector projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as final technical reviewer and eventually Engineer‑of‑Record for geotechnical reports, CMT reports, and supporting calculations, maintaining clear defensible recommendations.
• Provide senior oversight on subsurface exploration programs, including borings, test pits, sampling, and field documentation as needed to support report conclusions.
• Review and guide technical deliverables such as geotechnical engineering reports, foundation recommendations, pavement evaluations, earthwork and site grading recommendations, and construction observation documentation.
• Lead technical guidance for CMT operations, including interpretation of test results and recommendations tied to specifications, ASTM/AASHTO standards, and project requirements.
• Support laboratory management and quality systems, including procedures, calibration awareness, documentation practices, and corrective actions tied to CMT testing programs.
• Partner with project managers to evaluate technical scope, assumptions, and risks during proposal development and project execution.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff through technical coaching, review feedback, and structured training tied to field, lab, and reporting workflows.
• Participate in client meetings to provide technical solutions, communicate recommendations, and support project issue resolution.
• Contribute to local business development by supporting key client relationships and identifying opportunities aligned with ECS service lines.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering/Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Geology, or a closely related field.
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license.
• 12+ years of experience in a similar engineering consulting environment supporting geotechnical engineering and/or construction materials testing.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a final reviewer for technical reports and deliverables (including review of supporting calculations).
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor technical staff, and work directly with clients in a consulting setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as ACI, NICET, and/or ICC.
• Experience supporting business development, including marketing of services to agencies, owners, contractors, developers, or similar client groups.
• Familiarity with local market conditions, typical construction practices, and regional geotechnical considerations in Western Pennsylvania.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.