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Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager Jobs in California

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing, managing, and directing geotechnical engineering evaluations for projects of varying complexity. Additionally, they will provide review ...

Oversee, manage, and direct geotechnical engineering evaluations for projects with varying complexity. Provide review and oversight of geotechnical engineering practices. Prepare subsurface ...

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Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager information

What is the role of a geotechnical project manager?

A geotechnical project manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of geotechnical engineering projects, ensuring technical accuracy, safety, and adherence to deadlines and budgets. They manage teams, communicate with clients, review geotechnical data, and ensure compliance with industry standards, often using specialized software and certifications in geotechnical engineering. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager, you need a solid background in geotechnical engineering principles, project management experience, and a relevant engineering degree with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with geotechnical analysis software, CAD systems, and project management tools like MS Project is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships effectively. These capabilities are essential for delivering safe, cost-effective projects on time while maintaining technical excellence and stakeholder satisfaction.

What does a Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager do?

A Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager oversees engineering projects related to the behavior of earth materials and how they interact with structures such as buildings, roads, and bridges. They manage teams, coordinate site investigations, analyze soil and rock data, and ensure that projects comply with safety and environmental standards. Their responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, client communication, and quality control throughout the project lifecycle. Ultimately, they ensure the safe and efficient design and construction of infrastructure founded on or in the ground.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

As a Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager, earning a $100,000 salary is achievable with experience, advanced certifications, and working in regions with higher cost of living. Salaries vary based on industry, company size, and project complexity, but many project managers in engineering fields reach or exceed this level with proven leadership and technical skills.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior geotechnical engineer project managers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities can earn $200,000 or more annually. Salaries vary based on location, industry, and company size, with those in senior roles overseeing complex projects and teams often reaching this level.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical Engineer Project ManagerGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering; PE license beneficial but not always required
Work EnvironmentLeads project teams, manages client communication, oversees project timelines and budgetsPerforms site investigations, analyzes soil and rock samples, prepares technical reports
Industry UsageCommonly used in consulting firms, construction, and infrastructure projectsUsed in geotechnical consulting, construction, and research roles

The main difference is that a Geotechnical Engineer focuses on technical analysis and site investigations, while a Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager oversees project execution, manages teams, and liaises with clients. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior geotechnical engineer or project manager with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or large infrastructure projects. Such roles often require advanced certifications, a strong track record, and involvement in complex, high-value projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Geotechnical Engineer Project Managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Geotechnical Engineer Project Managers often encounter challenges such as managing complex project timelines, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and addressing unforeseen site conditions. Effective communication with clients, contractors, and team members is crucial for resolving issues quickly and keeping projects on track. Additionally, staying up to date with the latest industry standards and leveraging project management tools can help ensure quality and efficiency. Proactive risk assessment and flexibility in adapting to changing project requirements are also key to successful project delivery.
What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager jobs in California? For Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.
Geotechnical Engineer / Project Manager

Geotechnical Engineer / Project Manager

Kleinfelder Inc

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Kleinfelder rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

Job Description

Take Your Design Career to the Next Level  

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Design team is looking for you! From bridge and structural engineering to civil, electrical, mechanical, and process engineering, Kleinfelder's collaborative Design Services create synergy across multiple disciplines. 

Step into Your New Role  

Kleinfelder is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer/Project Manager reporting to our Corporate Headquarters office in San Diego, California. The role will be hybrid with remote, in-office, and occasional field work opportunities. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a role where they can manage and execute challenging projects, partner with junior and senior geotechnical engineers, provide mentorship to junior staff, collaborate with multidiscipline teams, engage with clients, and participate in business development and pursuits.

Our team works on challenging and interesting projects within a design center that includes bridge, structural, civil, and water resources engineers, environmental professionals, and laboratory and construction oversight personnel. We work on a large variety of both public and private infrastructure systems ranging from small to large-scale bridges, transit systems, roadways, water and storm water systems, tunnels and HDD installations, commercial structures, deep excavations, and more, all while managing complexities of dense urban sites or difficult mountainous terrain.

The candidate should have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering and about 12 or more years of experience in geotechnical engineering consulting with project management experience. Ideally, the candidate will also possess a Master's degree in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering as well. Candidates with a Master's Degree and at least 10 years of experience will be considered as well.

A California P.E. license is required and a California G.E. license, or the ability to obtain one within one year of hire, is strongly desired. We are looking for someone with the capability to provide leadership, management, technical expertise, and support for complex technical and field projects. Job responsibilities would include the following: 

  • Coordinate with and lead multidiscipline teams to prepare proposals and execute projects
  • Safely manage and execute field exploration programs and construction oversight activities
  • Perform, delegate, and oversee a variety of geotechnical engineering analyses including: soil and rock classification, shallow and deep foundation design, immediate and consolidation settlement, slope stability, seismic hazard evaluation (including ground motions, liquefaction, and lateral spreading), and earth retention systems
  • Prepare Geotechnical Engineering reports, memorandums, proposals, specifications, and other related deliverables
  • Be actively involved during the construction phase of projects including RFI and submittal reviews and oversight of construction observation activities
  • Positively interact with client representatives and generate business with new and existing clients
  • Development of scope of work, project budgets, work breakdown structures, and schedules
  • Manage project teams, budgets, schedules, delegate project tasks and mentor junior staff
  • Manage and mentor geotechnical team members

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in civil/geotechnical/geological engineering; Master's degree strongly preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in California is required. GE license, or ability to obtain one within one year of hire is strongly desired
  • Approximately 12 or more years of geotechnical engineering experience with project management experience
  • Positive work attitude and ability to work safely and efficiently when managing multiple tasks
  • Ability to work independently and with a team in a multi-disciplinary environment
  • Ability to lead and manage project deliverables, budgets, and schedules while mentoring junior staff
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work with external clients and maintain positive client relationships
  • Working knowledge of standard business software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience using VBA in Excel a plus.
  • Experience with various geotechnical software packages such as LPile, APile, SHAFT, GROUP, GEO STUDIO (Slope/W, Seep/W, Sigma/W), SLIDE, Settle3, and MSEW
  • Clean driving record and the ability to pass a drug test required
  • Ability to commute to the office, external client meetings, and project sites within and in the vicinity of San Diego
  • Management experience of technical staff a plus

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder:Kleinfelder and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients' transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia.Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose - together, we deliver. 

Progress with an Employer that Values You 

Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following: 

Benefits:Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. California: The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary Range:$125,781 - 175,416.

Career Development:We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program. 

Equal Opportunity:Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules) 

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES 

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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