Geotechnical Engineer

Principal Geotechnical / CMT Engineer

Northern New Jersey

Build a Geotechnical Practice. Lead an Office. Become an Owner.

A highly successful, employee-owned engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Geotechnical / CMT Engineer to help drive the continued growth of its Northern New Jersey operation.

With approximately 400 employees across 20 offices, a strong presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, and ambitious growth plans to reach 1,000 employees, this is an opportunity to join a firm that is expanding while learning from their competitors what works and what doesn't.

The successful candidate will play a key role in growing and leading the firm's geotechnical presence in New Jersey, working alongside an established Construction Materials Testing (CMT) operation that provides a strong platform for future expansion.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Employee Ownership (ESOP) - Build Long-Term Wealth

This is more than a salary and bonus opportunity.

The company transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and has created a culture where employees directly benefit from the firm's success. As the company continues to grow, employees participate in that growth through ownership.

For someone looking to make a long-term move, the ESOP represents a significant wealth-building opportunity alongside traditional compensation and retirement benefits.

For reference we recently placed someone there on $170k salary (stocks are allocated based on salary). We figured out that after 10 years if working here they will have over $700k in stock options if the company continues it's growth rate of ~8%.

Opportunity to Build Something Meaningful

Unlike many established geotechnical teams where structures are already in place, this role offers the chance to help shape and grow the geotechnical operation in Northern New Jersey.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Help establish and expand the geotechnical service line
• Influence hiring decisions and future team growth
• Develop processes and operational strategy
• Work directly with leadership on long-term planning
• Build a team around you as the office continues to expand

This is not a "start from scratch" situation. The firm already has an established CMT operation, laboratory resources, drilling access, internal recruiting support, marketing support, and leadership committed to growing the geotechnical division.

Clear Leadership Progression

Rapid growth creates opportunity.

The firm's Regional Manager has a long-term objective of creating autonomous offices throughout the Northeast, creating genuine advancement opportunities for ambitious leaders.

Potential progression may include:

• Managing Principal
• Branch Manager
• Office Leader
• Regional Leadership
• Vice President

For the right individual, the opportunity to progress to an executive position within ~2 years is quite realistic.

Strong Bonus Potential

In addition to a competitive base salary, leadership-level employees participate in a performance-driven bonus structure.

You would be starting off on a 20% bonus coming in and once you get to an executive level (1/2 promotions above current role) this goes up to 30% bonuses and this is based off base salary.

Flexibility & Long-Term Hybrid Potential

The company strongly believes in mentorship, leadership visibility, and in-person collaboration, particularly during the growth phase of a team. Senior leaders are encouraged to spend time alongside their engineers (but still in a hybrid setting), helping develop future talent and build a strong office culture.

However, this is not a rigid environment.

As the office grows, teams become established, and leadership responsibilities evolve, there is increasing flexibility available. The expectation is that successful leaders will have greater autonomy over how they manage their time and teams, including the possibility of a more remote working arrangement in the future.

The Role

This position will serve as a technical and operational leader supporting both Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing (CMT) services throughout Northern New Jersey.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading geotechnical investigations and engineering studies
• Reviewing geotechnical reports, calculations, and recommendations
• Supporting construction materials testing and inspection operations
• Providing mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff
• Managing project execution, budgets, schedules, and deliverables
• Maintaining and growing client relationships
• Supporting business development and networking efforts
• Assisting with strategic planning and departmental growth
• Collaborating with leadership to expand geotechnical capabilities throughout the region

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering
• PE License in New Jersey or ability to obtain quickly
• 12+ years of geotechnical consulting experience
• Experience managing projects and client relationships
• Strong technical background in subsurface investigations, foundations, earth retention systems, and geotechnical analysis
• Desire to mentor engineers and help build a growing team
• Interest in leadership and long-term career progression

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing client relationships within Northern New Jersey
• Business development experience
• Experience growing teams or departments
• Master's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering
• Proficiency with:
• LPile
• SLIDE
• Settle3D
• MSEW
• TABLOGS / TABLABS

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• HSA options
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Generous PTO and holidays
• Professional development support
• Leadership development opportunities
• Long-term pathway to office and regional leadership

Why Join?

✅ Become an employee-owner in a rapidly growing engineering firm

✅ Help build one of the company's most important emerging geotechnical operations

✅ Gain a realistic pathway to Branch Manager, Managing Principal, and Regional Leadership

✅ Earn attractive bonuses while building long-term ESOP value

✅ Work with leadership that has a proven track record of building and growing successful geotechnical practices

✅ Enjoy increasing autonomy and flexibility as the office and team continue to mature

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior geotechnical engineer who wants to move beyond simply managing projects and play a meaningful role in building a business, developing people, and creating long-term wealth through ownership.