Geotechnical Senior Project Engineer - Special Projects Group

ECS Ltd•Manchester Township, PA

About The Position

The Geotechnical Senior Project Engineer in the Special Projects Group manages geotechnical and geostructural projects from proposal through final invoicing and payment, personally completing work or overseeing subordinates. The role reviews and oversees geotechnical reports, geostructural designs, proposals, field reports, and project deliverables; maintains deadlines, project quality, profitability, billability, invoicing, and collections; and serves as a technical point of contact for clients. The engineer also mentors and develops junior staff, supports staffing and workload decisions, and contributes to business development and client relationships. Work may include geotechnical investigations and reporting, such as planning borings, obtaining utility clearances, supervising drilling, conducting in-situ testing, classifying soils, and selecting laboratory tests. Geostructural work may involve earth-retention systems, deep foundations, ground improvement, and dewatering. The role may also oversee construction materials testing projects, review daily reports, address field issues, and train field staff. The position involves regular client contact and project meetings, weekly staff and Principal meetings, safety participation, and people-management duties such as assigning work, setting goals, checking progress, conducting performance evaluations, and approving timecards. The role is expected to maintain billability and ensure projects and proposals are delivered on time.

Requirements

At least 5 years of related experience.
Bachelor of Science and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or a similar field.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in each state where the employee works, or ability to obtain a local license through reciprocity within three months of hire.
Valid driver's license if driving for or on behalf of an ECS subsidiary.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong project management, consulting, and business development skills.
Extensive knowledge of geotechnical and construction materials principles and applications.
Ability to build a team and foster mentorship, development, and training.
Strong knowledge of geotechnical-focused software.
Experience with geostructural design projects.
Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
High-level understanding of prioritization and urgency in the consulting industry.
Ability to review and provide feedback on work performed by junior staff.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and established relationships in the local market.
Experience with projects in the power and energy sector, including generation, transmission, substations, and/or battery storage.
Experience with projects in the transportation sector, including highway and/or rail.

Responsibilities

Oversee preparation and review of geotechnical reports and geostructural designs produced by junior staff, ensuring project deadlines are met.
Manage geotechnical engineering projects, including boring layouts, utility clearances, drill-rig supervision, in-situ testing, soil classification, laboratory-test selection, and report preparation.
Manage geostructural design projects involving earth-retention systems, deep foundation elements, ground improvement, and/or dewatering.
Prepare geotechnical and construction materials testing proposals and oversee proposals prepared by junior staff.
Periodically oversee construction materials testing projects, review daily reports, help resolve issues, and train field staff.
Host or attend client project meetings, follow up on delivered reports, and provide technical solutions as needed.
Mentor, train, and develop junior staff; assign training and support professional development.
Collaborate with other managers on staffing decisions and workload balance.
Interface with clients and market services to maintain and develop the client database; participate in industry or organizational events and leadership.
Use geotechnical software and calculations to verify work and support recommendations; take ownership of project completion and success.
Ensure technicians and staff and project managers are qualified for assigned work and provide subordinate training.
Maintain billability as directed by the supervisor.
Review field reports twice daily; manage project invoicing and collections; ensure contracts are in place, pay applications are sent, invoices are correct, and profitability and billability issues are addressed.
Ensure projects and proposals for the engineer and subordinates are delivered on time; maintain ALF.
Host weekly meetings with Staff PMs and Project Managers, meet weekly with the Principal, distribute relevant meeting information, and coordinate project-specific meetings.
Serve as the main client contact on projects as needed.
Participate in and promote ECS safety policies and culture; provide site-safety feedback, comply with policies, participate in audits and investigations, attend safety meetings, complete training, report incidents and near misses, and stop work and notify a supervisor about hazards or violations.
Perform preliminary review of proposals and contracts for training and developmental purposes.
Review project assignments with junior staff, set step-by-step goals, check in daily, and review work frequently.
Provide timely, constructive performance evaluations for direct reports and review and approve their timecards weekly.