OverviewThe RoleThe Principal Engineer - Design Team Lead is a player/coach role critical to GeoStabilization International (GSI)'s ability to scale high-quality engineering output while developing the next generation of technical leaders.
You will be accountable for engineering excellence, talent development, and delivery discipline across a region and/or client sector. You will remain hands-on with complex, high-risk work while building a team that can consistently deliver innovative, constructible, and cost-effective solutions.
This role has clear runway into Director-level engineering leadership for individuals who demonstrate strong judgment, team-building capability, and sustained results.
Benefits- Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled
- Mental health benefits
- 401(k) plan to help save for your future including company match
- In addition to 7 observed holidays, salaried team members have flexible paid time off
- Paid parental leave
ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & Engineering Excellence (40%)- Serve as technical authority for moderately complex to highly complex geotechnical and geostructural projects.
- Act as Engineer of Record (EOR), owning design integrity, risk management, and constructability.
- Set and enforce high standards for design efficiency, elegance, and accuracy.
- Review and approve engineering deliverables; ensure schedules and quality commitments are met.
- Represent GSI as a senior technical expert in client meetings, negotiations, and external forums.
- Select, manage, and evaluate external consultants and subject-matter experts, including contract negotiation and invoice approval.
People Leadership & Talent Development (40%)- Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing design team with depth today and leadership capacity for the future.
- Own hiring decisions for the design team - prioritizing intellectual horsepower, resilience, and growth trajectory.
- Balance workload across the team to optimize delivery, development, and utilization.
- Conduct regular 1-on-1s, mid-year, and annual performance reviews with clear expectations and feedback.
- Drive engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement across the team.
- Assign work intentionally based on business needs, individual strengths, and development goals.
Process Design & Cross-Functional Leadership (20%)- Ensure on-time delivery of engineering and proposal deliverables.
- Serve as the voice of the Design Team in cross-functional initiatives, tools, and process improvements.
- Actively participate on the Estimating and Design Group Leadership Team.
- Improve interfaces between Design, Estimating, Operations, and Sales to reduce friction and increase win-rate and execution quality.
What Success Looks Like- Consistently high-quality, constructible designs delivered on time.
- A bench of engineers who are growing in capability, judgment, and leadership.
- Improved design efficiency, reduced rework, and better risk outcomes.
- Strong trust and credibility with clients, project managers, and commercial leaders.
- Clear succession readiness for senior engineering leadership roles.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications- BS in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or equivalent.
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and delivering against performance metrics.
Preferred Qualifications- MS in Civil or Geological Engineering with geotechnical or geostructural emphasis.
- 15+ years of experience across multiple facets of geotechnical design and construction.
- GE and/or SE licensure.
- Numerical modeling experience.
- Experience leading interdisciplinary engineering teams.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Deep expertise in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, and Geotechnical Construction.
- Strong judgment under ambiguity, informed by data and experience.
- Ability to translate construction means, methods, cost, and schedule into better engineering decisions.
- Proven ability to lead diverse teams toward clear, measurable outcomes.
- Comfort operating in fast-paced, frontline, construction-driven environments.
Travel: up to 25% company-sponsored travel within North America.
This role will be in-office on a hybrid schedule. Employees will be expected to work in the Westminster, CO office 3 days per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Remote work outside of Colorado (within the US), may be considered on a case-by-case basis with additional approval.
The expected annual base salary range for this position in the Denver, CO area is $140,000 - $160,000. Salary ranges are dependent on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience and geographic location. Range is not inclusive of potential bonus or benefits.
