About this role
Responsibilities
ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our transportation team in the Southeast. This role provides technical leadership for major infrastructure projects. This person can be located in any of our major hubs across the Southeast, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee.
Combining technical excellence with mentorship and business development. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of field staff, engineers, and scientists while serving as a primary technical authority for the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the final technical reviewer for geotechnical reports, ensuring 100% accuracy of designs and project deliverables.
- Oversee the development of geotechnical engineering reports and design packages, providing technical seal and signature as the Engineer of Record.
- Provide technical expertise for geotechnical and transportation staff across the branch and region, focusing on DOT and AASHTO specifications.
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, technicians, designers, and project managers to support professional growth and internal promotion.
- Lead complex engineering designs for slope stability, shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and settlement evaluations.
- Direct project managers on field exploration activities, including drilling, test pits, and site inspections.
- Drive business development by attending client meetings and identifying growth opportunities to expand our transportation portfolio.
- Collaborate with the Associate Principal review committee to identify and mentor future leadership candidates.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- 12 or more years of experience in geotechnical and transportation engineering.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license is required; Professional Geologist (PG) license may be acceptable depending on state requirements.
- Documented expertise in DOT Geotechnical Design Manual (GDM) and AASHTO LRFD specifications.
- Proficiency in MicroStation, OpenRoads or similar programs for infrastructure and highway design projects.
- Proven track record of serving as a senior technical reviewer at a previous engineering firm.
- Valid driver’s license for travel to project sites and client meetings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Utilize specialized software including gINT, LPile, APile, MSEW, FB-Pier, and GRLWEAP to deliver innovative design solutions.
- Experience managing 3 or more large-scale transportation projects simultaneously.
- Active participation in industry organizations such as ASCE, ACEC, or specialized geotechnical institutes.
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 #66 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2025), #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.
Other facts
About ECS Ltd
ECS Group of Companies is a Chantilly, VA-based consulting engineering firm. Organizationally we have 100+ offices and more than 3,000 employees in operating subsidiaries. Subsidiaries and their headquarter offices include:
- ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC [Chantilly, VA];
- ECS Midwest, LLC [Chicago, IL];
- ECS Southeast, LLP [Raleigh, NC];
- ECS Florida, LLC [Orlando, FL];
- ECS Southwest, LLP [Dallas, TX];
- ECS Pacific, Inc. [Walnut Creek, CA];
- ECS Group of Companies [Chantilly, VA - provides administrative/support services to all operating subsidiaries].
Founded in 1988, ECS is an employee-owned corporation committed to providing high quality, innovative services. The professional staff at ECS delivers value-added solutions through our core service lines: Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Consulting, Construction Materials Testing/Inspection, and Facilities Engineering and Consulting.
'Setting the Standard for Service’ is our corporate philosophy that permeates everything we do. We embrace providing services on time and under budget while adding value to our clients. Our goal is to provide high-quality engineering and related services; and to be recognized by our clients and colleagues for our innovative ideas, responsiveness and value. Our high repeat business volume, recommendations from our clients and professional associates are all measures of our commitment to the industry we proudly serve. At ECS, it’s not just about getting the job done – it’s about getting the job done right.
Talent acquisition at ECS receives strategic focus. We keep our career center current and up-to-date! So if you are looking for a new career opportunity or know someone who is, please visit www.ecslimited.com and submit your resume through our career center for review by our dedicated recruiting team.
What you'll do
- This role involves providing technical leadership for major infrastructure projects, serving as the primary technical authority, and acting as the final technical reviewer for geotechnical reports and design packages. Key duties include leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing complex engineering designs, directing field exploration activities, and driving business development efforts.
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