Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Geotechnical Division Manager

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

An established multidisciplinary engineering consultancy is seeking a senior geotechnical professional to lead and grow its Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing (CMT) practice in the Pittsburgh region.

This role offers a unique level of flexibility and can be tailored to the successful candidate. The position may suit an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer seeking a technically focused leadership role, an established Department Manager or Managing Principal, or a highly respected Senior Engineer or Project Manager ready to take the next step into business and operational leadership.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the continued growth of the Pittsburgh operation, helping shape strategy, develop staff, strengthen client relationships, and deliver high-quality geotechnical and construction services across Western Pennsylvania.

The Opportunity

The business has an established presence in the market, a diverse client base, and a strong platform of geotechnical, construction materials testing, and inspection services. Rather than building a business from scratch, you'll have the opportunity to build upon existing foundations while influencing the future direction and growth of the division.

Depending on experience, interests, and career goals, the role may include a combination of technical leadership, team development, business development, operational management, and strategic planning responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Provide senior technical oversight of geotechnical engineering projects and deliverables.
• Review geotechnical reports, engineering analyses, calculations, and recommendations.
• Support projects involving foundations, retaining structures, slope stability, earthworks, pavement design, and site development.
• Ensure technical quality and adherence to industry standards and best practices.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and project staff.

Client & Business Development

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing clients.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities throughout Western Pennsylvania.
• Lead proposal development, client presentations, and project pursuits.
• Represent the business within the local engineering and construction community.
• Support strategic growth initiatives and market expansion efforts.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop engineers, project managers, technicians, and inspectors.
• Support recruitment, staff development, and succession planning.
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and high-performance culture.
• Help build and grow the team as the business continues to expand.

Operational Leadership

For candidates joining at the Division Manager or Managing Principal level, responsibilities may also include:

• Oversight of day-to-day operations for the geotechnical and CMT business.
• Management of divisional profitability, utilisation, backlog, and revenue performance.
• Strategic planning and execution of long-term growth objectives.
• Resource allocation, staffing decisions, and overall business performance management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licence required.
• Pennsylvania PE licence, or ability to obtain through reciprocity.
• 12+ years of progressive geotechnical consulting experience.
• Strong background in geotechnical engineering project delivery.
• Experience managing client relationships and developing business opportunities.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, whether through technical, project, departmental, or operational responsibilities.
• Strong communication and team development skills.
• Familiarity with the Western Pennsylvania market is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience

• Construction Materials Testing (CMT) and Special Inspections.
• Leadership of engineering teams, departments, or business units.
• Financial management, budgeting, and operational oversight.
• Experience with industry-standard geotechnical software including LPile, SLIDE, Settle3D, MSEW, gINT, TabLogs, or similar platforms.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a respected engineering organisation that is willing to shape the position around the right individual. Whether you're an experienced Principal looking for a broader platform, an established manager seeking greater autonomy, or a high-performing senior engineer ready to step into leadership, the role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on an established and growing business.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of the Pittsburgh geotechnical and CMT operation while benefiting from the support of a well-established multidisciplinary organisation with a strong reputation for technical excellence and client service.