Senior Principal, Practice Leader

Engineering Consulting Services, Ltd. • Orange County, CA

48d • $180,000 - $250,000

About The Position

ECS is seeking a Senior Principal, Geotechnical Practice Leader to lead, expand, and champion our geotechnical service line in Southern California. This role requires a strategic mindset, business development experience, and deep technical knowledge. You'll serve as a senior technical authority, client-facing lead, and internal mentor, ensuring quality, consistency, and growth across your region.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or Geology.
• 20+ years of geotechnical engineering and/or CMT experience.
• Active P.E. or P.G. license in California or ability to obtain.
• Experience in branch, department, or regional leadership within an engineering consulting firm.
• Proven success in client development across private, commercial, and public sectors.
• Recognized as a Senior Reviewer at a previous firm.
• Valid driver's license (required for job-related travel).

Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight: Guide and support Geotechnical Project Managers and staff. Review technical reports and lead quality assurance initiatives across the region.
• Client Development: Lead strategic efforts to secure and expand relationships with private, commercial, and public sector clients. Actively pursue new project opportunities.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor Associate Principals and staff. Contribute to internal review boards for promotions and professional development.
• Industry Engagement: Attend and represent ECS at key industry conferences including IFCEE, PDCA, DFI, ASCE, and ADSC.
• Regulatory Awareness: Monitor regulatory changes and lead internal communications to align with new standards or requirements.
• Ambassadorial Role: Represent ECS in the market. Promote our services, capabilities, and culture to clients and partners.

Benefits

• Ownership Mentality: As an ESOP company, every employee has a stake in our collective success.
• Growth Opportunity: Build and lead the Southern California geotechnical service line from the ground up.
• Resources + Agility: Big company capabilities, small team agility, and leadership support to innovate and grow.
• Impact: Your work will directly shape the future of our Pacific operations and influence national strategies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees