Senior Geotechnical Project Engineer

ECS Group of Companies; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consulting firm is hiring a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead infrastructure projects in North Carolina. This position requires a technical leader to manage a multi-disciplinary team and oversee geotechnical design and field explorations. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience, a relevant degree, and a P.E. license. Expertise in geotechnical software and project management is essential to meet the demands of large-scale programs, ensuring compliance with standards. Join our team to make a significant impact on critical infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering, focusing on design.
• Expertise in DOT Geotechnical Design Manual and AASHTO LRFD specifications.
• Proven track record in leading technical reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team for geotechnical and construction materials testing projects.
• Direct the design of embankments and foundations.
• Act as primary contact for agency project managers.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project management

Technical leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license

Tools

MicroStation

gINT

LPile

MSEW

FB‑Pier

GRLWEAP

Job description

ECS is actively hiring Senior Geotechnical Engineers to lead major infrastructure and transportation initiatives across North Carolina. This role is designed for a technical leader who can balance complex engineering design with high-level client management for DOT and other large-scale infrastructure programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leading support for a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and designers on geotechnical and construction materials testing (CMT) projects.
• Direct the design of embankments, retaining structures, and subgrade stabilization, deep and shallow foundations using MicroStation and OpenRoads software.
• Oversee and plan geotechnical field explorations, including drilling, test pits, and inspections as needed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for DOT (or other agency) project managers and external stakeholders, ensuring technical requirements and deadlines are met for multiple concurrent major programs.
• Oversee the development of geotechnical engineering reports and design packages, providing technical seal as needed.
• Manage project budgets and resource allocation for on‑time delivery of infrastructure deliverables.
• Execute business development strategies by identifying regional opportunities and leading the technical portion of proposal submissions.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key decision‑makers at the DOT, municipal agencies, and Tier 1 prime consultants to ensure ECS remains a preferred partner.
• Ensure all technical deliverables and field operations maintain 100% compliance with NCDOT, AASHTO, and ASTM standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or related field
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required; Professional Geologist (P.G.) license may be acceptable in certain states
• 5+ years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering, with a focus on design, project management, and technical leadership
• Expertise in DOT Geotechnical Design Manual (GDM), AASHTO LRFD specifications, and geotechnical software (e.g., gINT, LPile, APile, MSEW, FB‑Pier, GRLWEAP)
• Proficiency in MicroStation is preferred
• Proven track record of leading technical reviews and serving as a senior technical reviewer at a previous firm
• Strong analytical, report‑writing, and communication skills
• Demonstrate initiative and leadership in problem‑solving and decision‑making
• Valid driver’s license required for travel on behalf of ECS

If you’re ready to take your geotechnical expertise to the next level and make a visible impact on infrastructure that matters, ECS wants to hear from you. Let’s build the future of transportation—together.

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and license requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
• E‑7

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee‑owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #66 in Engineering News‑Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2025), #148 in Engineering News‑Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit www.ecslimited.com.

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