Principal Geotechnical Engineer
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area
An established national engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to help lead and expand its geotechnical practice across Northern California. This is an opportunity to join a firm known for tackling some of the region's most technically challenging infrastructure, transportation, development, environmental, and resilience-focused projects while offering a career path that values both technical leadership and business impact. Based on publicly available company information, the organization has built a reputation around solving complex geotechnical and environmental challenges through innovation, client advocacy, and long-term partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as Principal-in-Charge, Project Director, or Technical Lead on major geotechnical assignments.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Provide expert geotechnical consultation and quality oversight for design and investigation programs.
- Lead project pursuits, proposals, interviews, and business development efforts.
- Guide and mentor engineers, geologists, and project managers across the organization.
- Support growth of the Northern California geotechnical practice.
- Review and seal engineering documents as Engineer of Record where appropriate.
- Collaborate with environmental, civil, construction, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
- Contribute to industry organizations, technical publications, conferences, and thought leadership initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- California Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license strongly preferred.
- 12+ years of geotechnical consulting experience.
- Demonstrated success leading complex projects and managing client relationships.
- Strong technical expertise in investigation, analysis, design, and construction support.
- Proven ability to develop business, win work, and grow client accounts.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Why Join?
This organization offers the resources and reach of a national firm while maintaining a collaborative environment where technical excellence is highly valued. Engineers have the opportunity to pursue either a deeply technical career path or combine technical leadership with business development and practice growth. The company invests heavily in professional development and is recognized for fostering long-term careers built around mentorship, innovation, and meaningful project work.
FAQs
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