Principal - Geotechnical Engineering

Responsibilities

• Ensure overall goals related to quality and performance are achieved.
• Delegate to Senior Project Managers and step in when most useful.
• Act as problem solver and final reviewer for projects.
• Present a positive customer service attitude and understanding of ECS Core Values.
• Pursue and execute geotechnical projects in transportation sector including highway, bridge, and rail.
• Provide technical expertise and support Geotechnical staff within branch and region.
• Host or attend project meetings with clients and ECS staff to provide technical solutions.
• Mentor Associate Principals.
• Participate in review committee for candidates seeking Associate Principal designation.
• Oversee projects at office and regional levels.
• Perform technical report reviews.
• Prepare and review proposals.
• Assist with management of department and P&L.
• Engage in business development and assist staff in marketing services.
• Assist hiring managers with staffing decisions.
• Lead and coach junior staff members.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Interface with clients weekly for business development and marketing.
• Provide mentorship to Associate Principals and identify training needs.
• Ensure Senior Project Managers manage all project aspects and provide final review and signature.
• Act as backstop to ensure accuracy and timeliness of deliverables.
• Final review and stamp for reports and invoices.
• Review ALF and re-assign projects as needed.
• Host weekly meetings with Senior Project Managers and attend department managers meetings.
• Participate in and promote ECS safety policies and culture.
• Review and sign contracts and proposals per Signature Authority policy.
• Provide performance evaluations and approve timecards for direct reports.

Qualifications

• 12 years of related experience.
• Achieved designation as Associate Principal or met requirements via Board of Directors Exception.
• Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar required.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license required in each state of work.
• Valid driver’s license required if driving for ECS subsidiary.
• 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 geotechnical-focused software for analysis of slopes, deep foundations, and shallow foundations.
• Ability to provide final technical review for reports including supporting calculations.
• Strong knowledge of and relationships in transportation sector in Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and/or New Jersey.
• Knowledge and/or experience with procurement and technical standards of transportation agencies in referenced states.
• Preferred knowledge of geologic and geotechnical challenges of the region.
• Proficiency with geotechnical principles and applications for a wide variety of projects.
• Completion of professional training programs as required in ECS Senior Technical Staff Policies and Procedures.

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.