Geotechnical Engineer Department Manager

Job Title:

Geotechnical Engineer - Department Manager

Job Description

The Geotechnical Department Manager will lead and expand a regional geotechnical engineering practice, overseeing technical delivery, staff development, and client relationships across a multi-state footprint. This role combines deep geotechnical and civil engineering expertise with strong leadership and business acumen to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

* Lead and grow a regional geotechnical engineering practice across a multi-state region, with particular focus on Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.

* Oversee the technical delivery of geotechnical projects from initial investigation through design, reporting, and construction support.

* Provide high-level geotechnical engineering expertise related to soil behavior, foundations, and ground improvement to support diverse project types.

* Manage and develop a team of engineers, field staff, and technicians, typically supervising at least four direct reports.

* Coach, mentor, and retain staff by providing clear direction, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.

* Direct and oversee field investigations and data collection activities, including drone-supported surveys and site assessments.

* Review and approve technical analyses, calculations, reports, and recommendations to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with applicable standards.

* Apply expertise in T  (to-be-removed / treatment-based remediation) and soil mitigation to develop practical and cost-effective solutions.

* Provide guidance on the design and assessment of retaining structures and other geotechnical systems.

* Serve as a client-facing engineering leader, building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.

* Present findings, recommendations, and technical concepts clearly to clients, internal teams, and other stakeholders.

* Actively participate in business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, supporting proposals, and helping to win new work.

* Balance hands-on technical work with strategic leadership responsibilities, ensuring both project and practice-level goals are met.

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials testing, environmental, and construction professionals, to deliver integrated project solutions.

* Lead both office-based and field operations, ensuring coordination, safety, and effective communication across all project phases.

* Contribute to the strategic growth of the geotechnical practice by identifying new markets, services, and process improvements.

* Maintain professional licensure and stay current with industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies in geotechnical engineering.

Essential Skills

* Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

* Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG) license required.

* 10+ years of geotechnical engineering experience, including significant project and technical leadership.

* Proven geotechnical engineering expertise, including soil and foundation analysis, design, and problem-solving.

* Experience with T  (to-be-removed / treatment-based remediation) and soil mitigation methods.

* Working knowledge of retaining structures, including analysis and design considerations.

* Demonstrated experience leading and managing a team of at least 4 employees, including engineers, field staff, and technicians.

* Proven ability to coach, develop, and retain staff in a consulting or project-driven environment.

* Experience overseeing field investigations and technical data collection, including drone-supported field activities.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to clients and internal teams.

* Demonstrated ability to lead both office staff and field operations effectively.

* Experience balancing deep technical responsibilities with team leadership and business considerations.

* Background in civil engineering and exposure to project management and construction-related activities.

* Experience working within a consulting environment, including managing multiple projects and clients.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Multi-state geotechnical leadership experience, ideally with oversight across 10-15 or more states.

* Regional experience in the Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas markets or similar high-growth regions.

* Experience scaling or building teams and service lines within a consulting or professional services environment.

* Comfort interfacing directly with clients, leading meetings, and representing the geotechnical practice in external forums.

* Ability to contribute to strategic planning, market development, and long-term growth initiatives.

* Strong business acumen with an understanding of how technical decisions impact project budgets, schedules, and client satisfaction.

* Demonstrated success in…