Geotechnical Project Manager

Senior Geotechnical Engineer / Project Manager – Southern California

Location: Laguna Hills or Los Angeles (hybrid; remote work, in‑office collaboration, and occasional field engagement)

Kleinfelder is looking for an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer / Project Manager to lead and deliver complex projects in Southern California. The role blends technical leadership, project management, and client engagement across multidisciplinary teams.

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in the development of proposals, project execution plans, and technical deliverables.
• Provide leadership, project oversight, and strategic direction for complex technical and field assignments.
• Plan, manage, and oversee field exploration programs and construction oversight activities with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Perform, delegate, and review a wide range of geotechnical analyses, including soil and rock classification, foundation design, settlement analysis, slope stability, seismic hazard evaluation (ground motions, liquefaction, lateral spreading), and earth retention systems.
• Develop and deliver high‑quality technical documents, including geotechnical engineering reports, memorandums, proposals, specifications, and related deliverables.
• Maintain active involvement during the construction phase to support design intent, troubleshoot field issues, and ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Cultivate strong client relationships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and technical excellence.
• Develop scopes of work, project budgets, work breakdown structures, and schedules, ensuring alignment with client expectations and internal standards.
• Manage project teams, monitor budgets and schedules, delegate tasks effectively, and mentor junior staff to support their technical and professional growth.

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering is required;
Master’s degree strongly preferred. California P.E. license is required;
California G.E. license or ability to obtain one is highly desirable. Minimum 7‑8 years of experience managing multidisciplinary geotechnical engineering projects is required.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering;
  Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required; GE license or ability to obtain one desired.
• Progressive geotechnical engineering experience demonstrating increasing responsibility in subsurface investigations, geotechnical analysis, foundation design, earth retention systems, slope stability, ground improvement, or related areas.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. PMP certification is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead project delivery, manage budgets and schedules, and mentor junior staff.
• Proficiency with standard business software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with VBA in Excel is a plus.
• Experience with geotechnical software such as LPile, APile, SHAFT, GROUP, gINT, GEO STUDIO, SLIDE, Settle3, and MSEW.
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a drug test.
• Ability to commute to the office, client meetings, and project sites in and around Southern California.

Kleinfelder offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.

Expected salary range: $116,792 – $197,357.

Kleinfelder, and its subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)