Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Schnabel Inc.; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 135,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) and profit-sharing

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

Paid time off

9 paid holidays

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Schnabel Inc. in Rockville, MD seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to provide strategic leadership for a growing geotechnical practice.

You will guide complex infrastructure projects from concept through construction, mentor teams, and drive client relationships in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates hold a PE license, a Civil or Geotechnical Engineering degree (advanced degrees preferred), and 12+ years of progressive geotechnical experience with proven leadership and business

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering required.
• 12+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience with leadership of complex projects.
• PE license; additional credentials are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and technical direction for geotechnical teams on infrastructure projects.
• Lead investigations, plan execution, and oversight of investigations.
• Develop future technical leaders and foster accountability and growth.
• Drive business development: pursue opportunities, lead proposals, nurture client relationships.
• Engage with clients and lead executive-level discussions to ensure project success.
• Contribute to firm leadership and industry thought leadership.

Skills

Leadership experience

Business development

Communication skills

Geotechnical analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering

Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering (strongly preferred)

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

Tools

None specified

Job description

Rockville, MD
1300 Piccard Dr
Suite 106
Rockville, MD 20850, USA

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Rockville, MD office of Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineerto join our growing practice.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and technical direction for an integrated team of geotechnical professionals, driving excellence across complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Lead the planning, execution, and technical oversight of advanced geotechnical investigations
• Build, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams. Develop future technical leaders while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous growth.
• Drive business development strategy, including identifying and pursuing key opportunities, leading major proposals, cultivating client relationships, and forming strategic partnerships that expand market presence.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, leading executive-level discussions, aligning project delivery with client objectives, and ensuring successful outcomes from concept through construction.
• Contribute to firmwide leadership initiatives and help shape the future of the practice through thought leadership, including publishing, speaking engagements, and participation in industry-leading organizations.
• Help strengthen Schnabel’s position as a leader in geotechnical engineering, reinforcing our reputation for technical excellence, quality, and client service.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (Master’s or PhD strongly preferred).
• 12+ years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, including leadership of complex infrastructure projects
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE); additional credentials or specialty certifications are a plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced geotechnical analysis, design, and risk-informed decision-making
• Proven track record of leading teams, managing large or complex projects, and influencing strategic direction
• Strong business development experience, including client relationship management, proposal leadership, and revenue generation.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage clients, mentor teams, and collaborate across disciplines and geographies.
• Recognized for technical credibility, sound judgment, and the ability to solve complex engineering challenges.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening

The compensation range for an Associate level candidate is $135,000 to $160,000 with 12-15+ years of experience.

The compensation range for a Senior Associate level candidate is $165,000 to $190,000 with 15-20+ years of experience.

Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.

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Education

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Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.