Senior Geotechnical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

ESOP

Profit-sharing

Paid time off

9 Paid Holidays

Wellness program

Professional development

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Schnabel Engineering in Rockville, MD is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead an integrated geotechnical team on complex infrastructure projects. The role emphasizes leadership, technical excellence, and client engagement.

You will guide investigations, mentor staff, and drive business development while shaping the future of the practice. A PE license and long-term leadership potential are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (Master's/PhD preferred).
• 12+ years in geotechnical engineering with leadership of complex projects.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE); other credentials are a plus.
• Strong communication, leadership, and business development experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and technical direction for an integrated geotechnical team.
• Lead planning, execution, and oversight of advanced geotechnical investigations.
• Mentor teams and develop future technical leaders with accountability and growth.
• Drive business development: opportunities, proposals, client relationships, partnerships.
• Advise clients at executive levels, align delivery with objectives from concept to construction.
• Contribute to firm-wide leadership and industry thought leadership.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Leadership

Business development

Project management

PE licensed

Education

Bachelor in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

MS/PhD preferred

Job description

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
• Dental 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)
• Bonus program
• 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 Engineer to 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.