Analysis Skills, Bentley MicroStation, Business Development, Civil Engineering, Consulting, Cross-Functional, Drilling, Driver's License, Engineering Consulting, Geological Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Green Construction, Leadership, Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD), Mentoring, Multitasking, Network Operations Center, Professional Engineer, Project/Program Management, State Laws and Regulations, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Technical/Engineering Design, Testing, Transportation Engineering, Willing to Travel
Responsibilities
ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in Columbia, SC! As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with ECS you will provides technical leadership for major projects across multiple sectors - public infrastructure, commercial, industrial, mission critical/data center and much more.
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 and signatory for geotechnical reports, designs, plans and analysis. 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 staff across the branch and region, focusing on various local, regional, and state regulations.
- 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 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 #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.
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Engineering Consulting Services Ltd
Why ECS? We have grit. What does that mean for you? We are problem solvers who approach obstacles with a fearless attitude. From trekking knee deep through swamplands to rappelling off of buildings, we do whatever it takes to safely get the job done! We have guts. The footprint of our company allows us to be nimble. With exceptional expertise and locations across the nation, we have the strength to support your project. We are resilient. We will ask the right questions, listen to your concerns and deliver. The opportunities to collaborate and think outside the box are infinite. We take initiative. The work we do sometimes does not have an easy solution. It takes drive, determination and the ability to connect people and ideas to achieve remarkable results. We bring tenacity. To put it plainly, we provide geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, environmental consulting, and facilities engineering services. From conception to completion, our boots are made for working.
To find out more about ECS: www.ecslimited.com
1,500 to 1,999 employees
http://www.ecslimited.com/