Special Projects Group Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Transportation

Principals ensure that overall goals related to quality and performance are achieved. Responsibilities for any one particular project are limited. The goal is to delegate to Senior Project Managers and step in when and where it is most useful (highest and best value). Principals are the problem solvers and the final reviewer for projects. Present a positive customer service attitude and understanding of ECS Core Values. 

Responsibilities  

• Primary responsibilities include pursuit and execution of geotechnical projects in the transportation sector in the northern Mid-Atlantic region, including highway, bridge, and rail 

• Responsibilities include providing technical expertise and supporting Geotechnical staff both within a branch and within a region 

• Host or attend project meetings with clients and/or ECS staff to help provide technical solutions as requested 

• Responsibilities may also include mentoring Associate Principals 

• Responsibilities may also include participation in the review committee for candidates who seek Associate Principal designation (Geotechnical) 

• Perform the following at the office and regional levels: 

• Overseeing projects 

• Performing technical report reviews 

• Preparing and reviewing proposals 

• Assisting with management of the department and P&L 

• Business development and assisting other staff in marketing our services by maintaining and developing client interactions 

• Assisting hiring managers to help make staffing decisions. 

• Leading and coaching junior staff members 

Department Specific Responsibilities  

• Business Development: Interface with clients on a weekly basis. Market our services to maintain and further develop the client database. Anticipate 300-500 clients. Minimum one event per week. Minimum 1-2 boards/committee chairs. Be seen as an expert and be involved in the community. Estimate 8 hours per week. 

• Training: Provide mentorship to Associate Principals as assigned. Identify training needs within the department (report to the department manager). 

• Technical: Ensure that Senior Project Managers are taking care of all aspects of a project. Provide final review and signature. Provide training and support at all levels as needed. Act as a backstop to ensure nothing goes out that is incorrect or late. 

• Productivity: 

• Project Management: Final review and stamp for reports. Senior review and approval of invoices prepared. Review ALF as a final backstop and re-assign projects as needed. Ensure that Senior Project Managers will meet deadlines. Use ALF proactively and look ahead. 

• Meetings: Host a weekly meeting with Senior Project Managers to distribute information. Address issues raised by Senior Project Managers. Attend weekly department managers meeting to discuss overall goals and learn information that will need to be passed down to Project and Senior Project Managers. 

• Safety: Participates, practices and promotes ECS safety policies and culture. 

• Proposals & Contracts: Review and sign contracts and proposals per Signature Authority policy. 

• People Management: Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations with your direct reports in support of their professional development and career progression. Review and approve timecards for your direct reports and anyone else who falls through the cracks. 

• 12 years of related experience 
• Achieved designation as Associate Principal or met the requirements via Board of Directors Exception 
• Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required. 
• A professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license is required in each of the state(s) in which you work.
• If driving for, or on behalf of, any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver’s license is required. 
• Demonstrate technical excellence, leadership, safety, and professionalism 

• Excellent performance history in project management, communication, risk management, and technical knowledge 

• History of business development performance 

• Proficiency with current geotechnical-focused software for analysis of slopes, deep foundations, and shallow foundations 

• Ability to provide final technical review for reports in area of expertise, including all supporting calculations 

• Strong knowledge of, and established relationships in the transportation sector in Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and/or New Jersey 

• Knowledge and/or demonstrated experience with the procurement and technical standards of the transportation agencies in the states referenced above 

• Knowledge of the geologic and geotechnical challenges of the region preferred 

• Proficiency with geotechnical principles and applications for a wide variety of projects 

• Professional training programs as required in the ECS Senior Technical Staff Policies and Procedures 

The expected pay range for this role and location is $125,000 - $200,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual 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.