Senior to Principal Geotechnical Engineer or Certified Engineering Geologist

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

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 a Senior to Principal Geotechnical Engineer or Certified Engineering Geologist, you will be responsible for managing technical project delivery, mentoring technical staff, managing client relationships, managing project pursuits, and participating in Bay Area strategic planning efforts. You will serve as the senior technical authority on projects that you manage and report directly to the Berkeley office’s Engineering Branch Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Client and Project Management:

• Serve as client sponsor for a select group of large repeat-business clients.
• Manage high-profile and complex projects from proposal through execution.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge and mentor on smaller projects managed by junior staff.
• 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.

Leadership & Management:

• Participate in business management decisions at the request of the Engineering Branch Manager.
• Provide mentorship, input for performance reviews, and professional development support.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with company values.

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.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Geotechnical Engineers:
  • Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) license & California Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license.
• Engineering Geologists:
  • Master’s degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related field.
  • California Professional Geologist (PG) license & California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) license.
• 10+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering or engineering geologic 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 help 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/