Principal Engineer / Senior Project Manager

Greenville, SC | Geotechnical Construction & Engineering

Ready to move beyond the limitations of a large consulting firm?

If you've built a strong foundation in geotechnical engineering but feel your growth, influence, or leadership potential is capped by corporate bureaucracy, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Our client is a rapidly growing geotechnical construction contractor with an integrated engineering team, offering a unique blend of technical engineering, construction involvement, project leadership, and long-term career progression. Unlike traditional consulting environments, you'll have the opportunity to see projects through construction, influence major decisions, and play a meaningful role in the company's future growth.

This position is ideal for a 5-10+ year Geotechnical Engineer, Project Manager, or Senior Engineer looking to take the next step toward leadership while remaining heavily involved in technical and project-related work.

The Opportunity

As a Principal Engineer / Senior Project Manager, you'll serve as a senior technical leader within the Greenville office, helping guide project execution, mentor engineering staff, and oversee complex geotechnical and geostructural projects from concept through construction.

You'll work closely with executive leadership while helping shape the future direction of a growing operation that continues to expand across the Southeast.

This is not a heavy seller-doer role. The company places far greater value on technical expertise, leadership, project execution, and collaboration than aggressive business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex geotechnical and geostructural projects
• Lead project planning, execution, and delivery efforts
• Review engineering designs, reports, plans, and technical deliverables
• Serve as a senior technical reviewer on proposals and project documents
• Conduct site visits and provide technical guidance during construction
• Evaluate constructability, risk, and project feasibility
• Support pricing and project strategy discussions
• Mentor and develop engineering and project management staff
• Provide technical leadership across multiple projects simultaneously
• Collaborate closely with operations, field teams, and company leadership
• Help drive the continued growth and success of the Greenville office

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field
• 5-10+ years of geotechnical engineering experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
• Strong understanding of geotechnical design principles and construction practices
• Experience managing projects and coordinating teams
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Preferred Experience

• Foundations and deep foundation systems
• Retaining structures and geostructural systems
• Design review and quality control
• Construction support and field involvement
• Project management and technical oversight
• Geotechnical consulting or design experience

Candidates from consulting firms such as Terracon, ECS, S&ME, Atlas, NOVA, UES, Braun Intertec, Geosyntec, GMC, or similar organizations are encouraged to apply.

The Ideal Person

Technical skills matter, but culture fit matters more.

We're looking for someone who is:

• A team-first leader
• Humble and approachable
• Entrepreneurial in mindset
• Motivated to help grow an organization
• A strong communicator
• Comfortable mentoring others
• A self-starter who takes ownership
• Interested in long-term career progression

We're not looking for individuals who rely on title, ego, or hierarchy to lead.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Leadership Growth

This role offers a genuine pathway toward:

• Senior leadership positions
• Expanded operational responsibility
• Executive-level influence
• Potential ownership opportunities

For ambitious engineers who feel limited by layers of management at larger firms, the advancement potential here is exceptional.

Technical Focus Over Sales

Unlike many senior geotechnical roles:

• No aggressive sales targets
• No expectation to be a rainmaker
• No excessive client entertainment obligations
• Business development participation is optional

Success is measured by leadership, technical ability, project delivery, and team contribution.

Collaborative Culture

Employees consistently stay because they enjoy working there.

You'll join a team known for:

• Extremely low turnover
• Strong internal collaboration
• Accessible leadership
• Minimal bureaucracy
• High autonomy
• Positive working environment
• Strong peer network across multiple offices

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $105,000 - $115,000+ depending on experience

Bonus Program

One of the strongest aspects of the package:

• Annual bonuses commonly ranging from $20,000 - $40,000+
• Exceptional performers have received substantially larger payouts
• Bonuses are tied to both individual and company performance
• Company shares a significant portion of profits with employees

Additional Benefits

• Medical coverage with substantial employer contribution
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Company holidays
• Potential company vehicle for applicable responsibilities
• Long-term career stability and strong job security

Location

Greenville, South Carolina

Join a growing office of approximately 10 professionals while collaborating with engineering, operations, and leadership teams throughout the Southeast.

If you're a geotechnical engineer who enjoys technical work, wants greater influence over projects, and is looking for a clear path toward leadership and potential ownership, we'd love to speak with you.