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Principal Geotechnical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ECS Ltd

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

Responsibilities ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Fort Myers to lead technical delivery, oversee quality control, and contribute to revenue growth across commercial, industrial, and ...

Atlas

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Lakewood, CO · On-site

At Atlas, we're providing services that enable communities to flourish and thrive, and if you're a Principal Geotechnical Engineer ready to provide technical leadership for geotechnical ...

NV5

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Nevada City, CA

NV5, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated, self-driven PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in the GEOTECHNICAL field for a leadership position in Northern California. The current Chico, Nevada City and Truckee offices ...

Atlas

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Riverside, CA

Atlas is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead and support a wide range of infrastructure and facilities projects across the public and private sectors. This role will be responsible for ...

NV5

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Rocklin, CA

Overview NV5, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated, self-driven PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in the GEOTECHNICAL field for a leadership position in Northern California. The current Chico, Nevada City and Truckee ...

Atlas

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

San Diego, CA

Atlas is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead and support a wide range of infrastructure and facilities projects across the public and private sectors. This role will be responsible for ...

Atlas

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Atlas is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead and support a wide range of infrastructure and facilities projects across the public and private sectors. This role will be responsible for ...

NV5

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Nevada City, CA · On-site

Overview NV5, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated, self-driven PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in the GEOTECHNICAL field for a leadership position in Northern California. The current Chico, Nevada City and Truckee ...

NV5

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Sacramento, CA

Overview NV5, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated, self-driven PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in the GEOTECHNICAL field for a leadership position in Northern California. The current Chico, Nevada City and Truckee ...

NV5

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Nevada City, CA

Overview NV5, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated, self-driven PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in the GEOTECHNICAL field for a leadership position in Northern California. The current Chico, Nevada City and Truckee ...

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All JobsPrincipal Geotechnical Jobs

Principal Geotechnical information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal geotechnical jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal geotechnical in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Geotechnical vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectPrincipal GeotechnicalGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a PE license, advanced degrees, and extensive experienceUsually requires a PE license or engineering degree, with less experience needed
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in consulting firms, overseeing projects and teamsDesign, analysis, and fieldwork on geotechnical projects
ResponsibilitiesProject management, client interaction, technical oversightSite investigations, report writing, design calculations

The main difference between a Principal Geotechnical and a Geotechnical Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. The Principal Geotechnical typically holds a senior position with project oversight and strategic roles, while the Geotechnical Engineer focuses on technical tasks and project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal geotechnical engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and geotechnical analysis, typically supported by a degree in civil or geotechnical engineering and professional licensure (e.g., PE or CEng). Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, and AutoCAD, as well as familiarity with relevant industry standards and codes, is essential. Strong leadership, client management, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure the delivery of safe, innovative, and cost-effective solutions for complex infrastructure projects while managing teams and client expectations.

What is a principal geotechnical engineer?

Principal Geotechnical Engineers are senior professionals who specialize in the study and analysis of soil, rock, and earth materials to assess risks and design foundations for construction projects. They lead geotechnical investigations, oversee teams, and provide expert advice on projects such as buildings, bridges, dams, and tunnels. Their responsibilities often include project management, client liaison, technical review, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. With extensive experience, they play a key role in solving complex geotechnical challenges and guiding junior engineers.

What opportunities for career advancement are available to a principal geotechnical engineer within a typical engineering consultancy?

As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you have several paths for career advancement, including moving into senior leadership roles such as Technical Director, Practice Leader, or even executive management positions. You may also take on responsibilities for business development, mentoring junior staff, or leading multidisciplinary project teams. Many firms encourage Principals to contribute to thought leadership by publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and participating in professional organizations, further enhancing your professional profile and influence within the industry.

What does a principal geotechnical engineer do?

A principal geotechnical engineer leads and manages geotechnical engineering projects, overseeing site investigations, soil analysis, and foundation design. They provide technical expertise, coordinate teams, and ensure compliance with safety and engineering standards, often using tools like geotechnical software and requiring professional engineering licensure.
More about Principal Geotechnical jobs
What states have the most Principal Geotechnical jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Geotechnical jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Geotechnical jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Geotechnical jobs are:
Principal Geotechnical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Geotechnical job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

ECS Ltd

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description


Responsibilities

ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Fort Myers to lead technical delivery, oversee quality control, and contribute to revenue growth across commercial, industrial, and residential projects. This role blends project leadership, technical authority, and business development, offering a clear path to expanded leadership responsibility within a firm that promotes from within.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead 5 to 15 concurrent geotechnical and construction materials testing projects across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors
  • Perform final technical review on assigned reports, validating calculations, supporting data, and compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements
  • Manage project scope, schedule, and budgets aligned with departmental financial performance
  • Assist with developing proposals, including scope definition, pricing, and risk evaluation
  • Support business development through client meetings, relationship management, and service promotion
  • Mentor 3 to 8 junior engineers and technical staff in report writing, proposal development, and project execution
  • Contribute to departmental planning, operational performance, and process improvements
#LI-TE1
Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

  • 12+ years of geotechnical or construction materials testing engineering experience
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical focus from an ABET-accredited program
  • Experience performing final technical reviews or serving in a senior reviewer capacity
  • Demonstrated application of geotechnical engineering principles across commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and public works
  • Working knowledge of geotechnical engineering standards, construction codes, and regulatory requirements
  • Experience with geotechnical software supporting slope stability, geospatial analysis, deep and shallow foundations, and feasibility studies
  • Track record of client development, proposal generation, and revenue contribution
  • Experience mentoring early-career engineers into project-level contributors

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary aligned with experience, licensure, and project leadership scope
  • Annual bonus tied to company performance
  • 401(k) with up to 4% employer match
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off and company-recognized holidays
  • Tangible opportunities for advancement within the company

Why ECS

ECS operates on an organic growth model that has supported consistent expansion and internal advancement. The company supports niche technical development while maintaining a steady pipeline of projects across multiple industry sectors.


About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.

Qualifications:

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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