Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Water Infrastructure

AECOM•Sacramento, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Water Infrastructure to serve as a strategic technical leader and client-facing business development driver in Sacramento. This role is designed for a proven seller-doer who actively cultivates client relationships, leads pursuit strategies, and helps secure marquee projects. This is a high-visibility opportunity to influence California’s water future while expanding AECOM’s geotechnical presence across state, federal, and local agencies. The ideal candidate enjoys client interaction, is a confident presenter, a strategic thinker, growth-oriented, and a technical expert motivated by influence, visibility, and market ownership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and 10+ years of relevant geotechnical experience or demonstrated equivalency.
Active California PE license.

Nice To Haves

15+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, including water/wastewater and conveyance infrastructure.
Demonstrated success in client development and supporting or leading winning proposals.
Experience presenting to public agencies and executive stakeholders.
Proven ability to influence project awards through relationship management and technical leadership.
Active California GE license or ability to obtain within 6 months.
Project Management experience on complex public infrastructure programs.

Responsibilities

Proactively develop and strengthen executive-level relationships with existing and prospective clients across California’s water sector.
Identify upcoming opportunities early in the project lifecycle and position AECOM for sole-source, shortlist, and competitive pursuits.
Lead and support proposal strategy, interview preparation, and client presentations—serving as a technical authority and trusted advisor.
Partner with regional and national leadership to expand AECOM’s geotechnical footprint in dam, levee, tunnel, and conveyance markets.
Represent AECOM at industry forums, technical conferences, and client workshops to elevate brand visibility and thought leadership.
Serve as technical lead or capture support for major pursuits, including defining win themes, differentiators, and value propositions.
Contribute to Go/No-Go decisions and strategic positioning for high-value infrastructure programs.
Lead technical approach development, scope definition, and fee strategy for complex proposals.
Participate in shortlist interviews and executive presentations, articulating innovative geotechnical solutions that align with client priorities.
Provide senior-level geotechnical expertise for complex water infrastructure projects.
Lead multidisciplinary coordination on large-scale dam, tunnel, levee, and conveyance systems.
Review, approve, and sign off on engineering deliverables.
Guide risk management, budget forecasting, and schedule development for major programs.
Mentor and develop junior engineers while strengthening departmental technical capabilities.