Engineering Branch Manager / Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Location: Berkeley, California
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Senior / Principal Level
License Required: California Professional Engineer (PE) & California Geotechnical Engineer (GE)

Company Overview:

A well-established geotechnical engineering firm with a strong reputation for technical excellence, client-focused service, and innovative solutions is seeking an experienced and motivated Registered Geotechnical Engineer or Certified Engineering Geologist to lead and manage major building and infrastructure projects in its Berkeley, California office.

The Berkeley team has long supported the Bay Area with high-quality geotechnical services for public and federal infrastructure as well as private development. This is a senior, strategic opportunity for a professional who thrives in technical leadership, client service, and business development.

Position Summary:

As the Engineering Branch Manager / Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Berkeley office, managing staff, guiding technical project delivery, maintaining client relationships, and driving business development. You will serve as the senior technical authority in the office and report directly to firm leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

• Manage and grow the Berkeley office team, including engineers, geologists, and administrative staff.
• Provide mentorship, performance reviews, and professional development support.
• Host weekly staff meetings and facilitate staffing decisions targeted at achieving chargeability and professional development goals.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with company values.
• Review and approve weekly timesheets and expense reports.
• Review contracts, interface with in-house legal counsel, lead recruitment and retention initiatives, manage office expenditures.
• Prepare the business reports needed by firm leadership to track Berkeley office performance.
• Represent the Berkeley office at regional and national gatherings of the firm.

Technical Oversight:

• Provide expert-level technical guidance and review for geotechnical investigations, analysis, design, and construction-phase services.
• Ensure all deliverables meet quality control standards, industry regulations, and client expectations.
• Serve as geotechnical engineer-of-record on major projects.

Client and Project Management:

• Lead high-profile and complex projects from proposal through execution.
• Interface with clients, contractors, regulators, and stakeholders throughout project lifecycles.
• Prepare and review proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the Bay Area and surrounding regions.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing clients.
• Identify and act upon opportunities to “cross-sell” services offered by affiliated firms.
• Represent the firm in industry and community events, conferences, and professional organizations.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license & California Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license.
• 10+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience.
• Demonstrated success in project management, client development, and team leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of California geology, seismicity, and local design standards.

Preferred:

• Existing network of Bay Area clients and agency contacts.
• Prior office or group leadership experience.
• Experience with business operations such as budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning.

Company Benefits:

• Unparalleled opportunity to lead and expand a national firm’s Bay Area presence.
• Competitive salary based on experience and performance.
• Bonus structure tied to the company’s success and business growth.
• Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, paid time off).
• Strong company culture focused on integrity, innovation, and professional growth.

For more information, please contact Garry Todd:
Tel: 541-317-4150
Email: gtodd@nes-llc.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/garrytodd/