Principal Geotechnical Engineer
A leading engineering consulting firm is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join its growing Maryland team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced geotechnical professional looking to take on a technical leadership role while working on a diverse range of commercial, federal, transportation, and infrastructure projects throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
The successful candidate will play a key role in project management, technical oversight, client development, and mentoring junior engineers while helping expand the firm's geotechnical presence across the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Opportunity
This position offers a strong blend of technical geotechnical engineering, project leadership, and business development. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with engineers across multiple office locations on challenging projects ranging from site development and transportation improvements to large-scale public infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead geotechnical investigations and engineering studies for a variety of development and infrastructure projects.
- Perform and oversee geotechnical analyses including foundations, retaining structures, pavements, settlement, slope stability, and earthwork evaluations.
- Review and interpret subsurface exploration data, laboratory testing results, and field observations.
- Prepare and review geotechnical engineering reports, recommendations, proposals, and technical specifications.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and project staff.
- Support construction-phase services including field observations, instrumentation, and monitoring programs.
- Coordinate with clients, contractors, architects, and project teams throughout project delivery.
- Develop proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates for new and existing clients.
- Build and maintain client relationships while supporting business development initiatives.
- Collaborate with engineering teams across multiple office locations on complex and high-profile projects.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.
- Master's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering preferred.
- 10+ years of geotechnical engineering experience.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
- Experience managing geotechnical projects from investigation through final design and construction support.
- Strong technical knowledge of soil mechanics, foundations, earth retention systems, settlement analysis, and site development.
- Excellent report writing and communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
- Ability to mentor and lead technical staff.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites throughout the region.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Principal-level opportunity with significant technical influence.
- Diverse portfolio of geotechnical, transportation, infrastructure, and development projects.
- Clear opportunity to help shape and grow a regional geotechnical practice.
- High level of client interaction and project ownership.
- Collaborative environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise across multiple offices.
- Strong pathway into senior leadership for ambitious geotechnical professionals.
If you're an experienced Geotechnical Engineer or Geotechnical Project Manager ready to step into a Principal-level role and help drive the growth of a well-established consulting practice, I'd be happy to share additional details confidentially.
FAQs
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