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Principal Engineering Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management ... We are seeking a Californialicensed Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) to join our Los Angeles ...

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

Principal Engineer Department: Geotechnical Employment Type: Full Time Location: Roseville, CA ... Bachelor in Engineering (BS) in Civil Engineering/Geology. * Master's degree (MS) in Geotechnical ...

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

Principal Engineer Department: Geotechnical Employment Type: Full Time Location: Sacramento, CA ... Bachelor in Engineering (BS) in Civil Engineering/Geology. * Master's degree (MS) in Geotechnical ...

What you'll be doing As the Principal Geologist at Endurance, you'll be at the forefront of ... You'll wear multiple hats, working directly with our engineering teams to translate geological ...

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

A day in the life as a Wood Rodgers' Principal Engineer * Develop and maintain internal and ... Bachelor in Engineering (BS) in Civil Engineering/Geology. * Master's degree (MS) in Geotechnical ...

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

A day in the life as a Wood Rodgers' Principal Engineer * Develop and maintain internal and ... Bachelor in Engineering (BS) in Civil Engineering/Geology. * Master's degree (MS) in Geotechnical ...

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Principal Engineering Geologist information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal engineering geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineering geologist in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Engineering Geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Engineering Geologist, you need advanced expertise in geology, geotechnical analysis, and risk assessment, typically supported by a relevant degree and significant field experience. Proficiency with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GIS systems, and experience with site investigation techniques and reporting standards is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills distinguish top performers by enabling effective collaboration and client interactions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, compliance, and success of complex engineering projects involving ground conditions and environmental risks.

How does a Principal Engineering Geologist typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on large infrastructure projects?

A Principal Engineering Geologist works closely with civil engineers, environmental scientists, project managers, and contractors to assess site conditions and advise on ground-related risks. They often lead geotechnical investigations, interpret data, and present findings to ensure that geological factors are fully integrated into design and construction plans. Effective communication and coordination are crucial, as their recommendations can directly impact project safety, cost, and timelines. Regular meetings and site visits are common, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed and aligned throughout the project.

What are Principal Engineering Geologists?

Principal Engineering Geologists are highly experienced professionals who assess geological factors that can impact engineering projects such as tunnels, dams, buildings, and roads. They analyze soil, rock, groundwater, and other earth materials to provide recommendations for safe and effective construction. Their role often involves leading teams, managing projects, and ensuring compliance with regulations, while also liaising with clients and other engineers. Principal Engineering Geologists play a critical part in minimizing geological risks and ensuring sustainable development.

What is the difference between Principal Engineering Geologist vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Engineering GeologistGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsGeology degree, professional geology license, advanced certificationsGeotechnical engineering degree, engineering license, certifications in geotechnical analysis
Work EnvironmentField investigations, site assessments, geological mappingLaboratory testing, design of foundations, slope stability analysis
Industry UsageMining, environmental consulting, natural resource explorationConstruction, infrastructure projects, civil engineering firms

The Principal Engineering Geologist primarily focuses on geological assessments, site investigations, and environmental considerations, often working in natural resource and environmental sectors. In contrast, Geotechnical Engineers concentrate on soil and rock mechanics to design foundations and support structures. Both roles require specialized credentials and are vital in construction and environmental projects, but they differ in their core expertise and typical work environments.

More about Principal Engineering Geologist jobs
What states have the most Principal Engineering Geologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Engineering Geologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Engineering Geologist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 5% Full Time, 80% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Geologist

Principal Geologist

Mott MacDonald

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Mott MacDonald rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including, Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water.

We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story.

If you share that vision, even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we'd still love to hear from you. We value potential and diverse perspectives as much as experience. Let's explore how we can support your growth and help you take the next step in your career, while contributing to an exciting new chapter for Mott MacDonald in North America.

We are seeking a Californialicensed Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) to join our Los Angeles office, playing a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding our engineering geology capability across California. This position supports the delivery of major infrastructure and transportation programs, addressing both nearterm project needs and longterm technical leadership objectives within the region.

You will work within highperforming, multidisciplinary teams on technically complex and highprofile projects that span planning, design, and construction. The role is well suited to an experienced practitioner who enjoys applying deep geological expertise to realworld challenges, mentoring others, and contributing to infrastructure that delivers lasting public and societal benefit.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide engineering geology leadership and technical input across a broad range of infrastructure projects, including transportation, rail, coastal, water, and major civil works
  • Plan, undertake, and interpret geologic and geotechnical investigations, including field mapping, core and borehole logging, desk studies, and interpretation of complex datasets
  • Prepare, review, and approve engineering geology and geotechnical reports, technical memoranda, hazard assessments, and design recommendations
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate geologic hazards such as landslides, slope instability, faulting and seismic risk, liquefaction, coastal erosion, and ground movement
  • Integrate geological conditions into design development, providing guidance on foundations, earthworks, excavation support, retaining systems, and resilience measures
  • Ensure work is delivered in accordance with California regulatory requirements, professional standards, and established quality management and assurance systems
  • Collaborate closely with geotechnical engineers, civil and structural designers, planners, and construction teams to deliver coordinated, riskinformed solutions
  • Engage confidently with clients, contractors, regulators, and stakeholders, supporting technical discussions, reviews, and approvals
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior and midlevel staff, supporting capability development and knowledge sharing
  • Contribute to proposals, bids, and workwinning activities, including scope development, methodology, and technical review, as appropriate

Candidate Profile:

The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of technical depth, practical experience, and professional judgment:

  • Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG), State of California (required)
  • 10+ years of professional experience in engineering geology, primarily within a consulting environment
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred)
  • Demonstrated experience supporting large infrastructure or linear projects in complex geological and seismic environments
  • Strong knowledge of California geological conditions, regulatory frameworks, and professional practice standards
  • Proven ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary project teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex geotechnical and geological concepts clearly
  • Experience supporting rail, transportation corridor, or major infrastructure programs
  • Background working with large consultancies, public agencies, or major infrastructure owners
  • Confidence providing technical leadership, peer review, and clientfacing support on complex projects

Benefits & Reward

At Mott MacDonald, our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing them with a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. We provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term/long-term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company paid life insurance.

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

The expected salary for this position is $182,000- $222,000

Collaboration at Our Core
At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we're together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet client, team, and personal commitments.

Equal opportunity is the law.

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.