Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering/Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Geology, or closely related field.
Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license.
12+ years of experience in a geotechnical engineering consultant role, focusing on engineering and construction materials testing.
Experience as a final reviewer for technical reports and supporting calculations.
Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to mentor staff in a consulting environment.
Responsibilities
Serve as the final technical reviewer and potential Engineer-of-Record for geotechnical and CMT reports.
Oversee subsurface exploration programs, including borings, test pits, and field documentation.
Review and guide technical deliverables such as reports and foundation recommendations.
Lead guidance for CMT operations and interpretation of test results according to project specifications.
Support laboratory management and quality assurance for CMT testing programs.
Collaborate with project managers on technical scope and risk assessments during proposals and projects.
Mentor junior engineering staff through coaching and structured training.
Benefits
Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
Involvement in client meetings to shape project outcomes.
Engagement in local business development efforts and client relationship management.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities
ECS is hiring a Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing (CMT) work in the Austin market. This is a senior technical and strategic role focused on final technical review, risk reduction, staff mentorship, laboratory oversight, and client-facing consulting across a portfolio of public and private sector projects. Key Responsibilities:
Serve as final technical reviewer and eventually Engineer-of-Record for geotechnical reports, CMT reports, and supporting calculations, maintaining clear defensible recommendations.
Provide senior oversight on subsurface exploration programs, including borings, test pits, sampling, and field documentation as needed to support report conclusions.
Review and guide technical deliverables such as geotechnical engineering reports, foundation recommendations, pavement evaluations, earthwork and site grading recommendations, and construction observation documentation.
Lead technical guidance for CMT operations, including interpretation of test results and recommendations tied to specifications, ASTM/AASHTO standards, and project requirements.
Support laboratory management and quality systems, including procedures, calibration awareness, documentation practices, and corrective actions tied to CMT testing programs.
Partner with project managers to evaluate technical scope, assumptions, and risks during proposal development and project execution.
Mentor and develop engineering staff through technical coaching, review feedback, and structured training tied to field, lab, and reporting workflows.
Participate in client meetings to provide technical solutions, communicate recommendations, and support project issue resolution.
Contribute to local business development by supporting key client relationships and identifying opportunities aligned with ECS service lines.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering/Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Geology, or a closely related field.
Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license.
12+ years of experience in a similar engineering consulting environment supporting geotechnical engineering and/or construction materials testing.
Demonstrated experience serving as a final reviewer for technical reports and deliverables (including review of supporting calculations).
Proven ability to lead teams, mentor technical staff, and work directly with clients in a consulting setting.
Preferred qualifications
Professional certifications such as ACI, NICET, and/or ICC.
Experience supporting business development, including marketing of services to agencies, owners, contractors, developers, or similar client groups.
Familiarity with local market conditions, typical construction practices, and regional geotechnical considerations in Western Pennsylvania.
