Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Principal Geotechnical Engineer Universal Engineering Sciences•Knoxville, TN, United States Overview At UES, we are a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com . Position Overview UES is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to lead, manage, and provide technical engineering oversight for geotechnical projects from planning through completion for new and existing clients. The Principal Geotechnical Engineer will manage projects, clients, and geotechnical personnel from various locations. This role is also responsible for leading, designing, and streamlining daily engineering operations, project scopes, budgets, and schedules, overseeing technical execution, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance to ensure alignment with the business objectives set by senior management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in geotechnical investigations, engineering design, geo-structural design, and construction oversight, along with proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with clients and subcontractors, and mentoring junior staff. If you’re a technical leader with a passion for delivering results and driving technical excellence, we want to hear from you. This role is remote; location preference is the Southeast or Texas with occasional travel to UES offices or project sites. Responsibilities Core Areas of Analysis General Geotechnical Explorations Foundation Evaluations Pavement Design and Analysis Settlement Analysis Slope Stability Analysis Crane Pad Analysis Lateral Loading Analysis Karst Explorations Construction Site and Geotechnical Hazard Analyses Expert Witness Work Expert Witness Work Serve as the technical expert on geotechnical engineering projects of significant complexity and scope. Develop innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable geotechnical design solutions. Provide off-site project management to complete field testing ensuring accurate and detailed daily field activity and/or diagrams and report findings to clients and supervisors. Classify soils per ASTM standards. Provide field engineering solutions to issues that arise during the construction process. Review engineering reports and field recommendations produced by field staff. Generate reports, recommendations, and other documentation needed by clients, including engineering and design. Develop and implement project scopes, site meetings, estimates, budgets, schedules, and deliverables to meet client and business objectives. Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Oversee quality control and adherence to best practices, industry standards (ASTM, AASHTO, ASCE, etc.), and regulatory guidelines to ensure compliance with materials testing and geotechnical best practices. Lead risk assessments and geotechnical hazard evaluations for infrastructure, environmental remediation and construction projects. Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution. Create, prepare, and update project proposals and technical reports. Participate in business development, networking and marketing efforts with new and existing clients. Maintain excellent communication both verbally and electronically with senior management, other project managers and colleagues to improve consistency and efficiency in reporting procedures. Provide mentorship and training to project managers regarding engineering problems or client interactions, fostering technical skill development. Work independently and collaboratively within office and field environments, adapting to dynamic project needs. Travel to project sites as needed to conduct inspections, assessments, and provide engineering support. Ensure strict adherence to company safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and environmental requirements, promoting a culture of workplace safety and compliance. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university. Professional Engineering license (PE) with the ability to obtain additional state licenses as needed. Experience of 15+ years in geotechnical and/or CMT field. Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Knowledge of geotechnical and construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, and soil classifications. Ability to calculate results from geotechnical/construction materials testing data. Ability to read and interpret construction documents, detailed reports, correspondence, and memos. Ability to accurately complete field-testing documentation and detailed figures. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to write technical reports, proposals, business correspondences, and/or procedure manuals as needed. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations, to customers, clients, construction teams, and other employees of the organization. Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Boring Log software, AutoCAD and other engineering design software, deep foundation software, slope stability software, laboratory software, and settlement software. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to use technology/computer. Strong leadership skills and detail oriented. Ability to effectively prioritize and execute multiple tasks in a high-pressure environment. Ability to work weekends, holidays, overtime, overnight and travel as needed. Travel Requirements This position requires travel, approximately up to 20% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work. Physical Demands & Work Environment Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions such as precipitation, extreme cold or heat, dusty and noisy work environments. Office work requires long-term sitting and computer work. The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs. Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as drive long distances. Frequent use of fingers, hands and arms for typing, cellphone. Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, lift, carry, and push repetitively. Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate sometimes with noisy environments. EEO Statement UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here . #J-18808-Ljbffr