Geotechnical Engineer / Office Manager (Principal-Level)

Job Summary

We are seeking a versatile and highly organized senior Geotechnical Engineer / Office Manager to run our Utah office. This role supports both our technical engineering practice and daily office operations and is responsible for delivering geotechnical engineering solutions, guiding multidisciplinary teams, advancing technical excellence, and supporting business development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily office operations ensuring efficiency and organization.
• Lead, mentor, supervise staff, and provide support for project billing, timesheets, expense tracking, and budget monitoring.
• Serve as the geotechnical technical authority, providing peer review, quality oversight, and sign-off on geotechnical deliverables.
• Manage all phases of technical engineering projects, provide guidance to the engineering teams working on projects, and assure successful achievement of project goals.
• Lead proposal development to include: project scoping; fee estimating; and review and negotiate of contracts.
• Build and maintain client relationships; serve as a trusted adviser on geotechnical issues; resolve client conflicts and concerns.
• Oversee quality control, conduct engineering studies and investigations, and prepare and review design reports, progress reports, and project completion reports for company management.
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives, market positioning, and technical capability development.
• Conduct and supervise analyses, studies and calculations (e.g., finite element modeling, seismic response, settlement modeling, slope stability, seepage).
• Lead or support recruitment and talent development for geotechnical teams.
• Review operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures.
• Keeps abreast of industry trends and issues.
• Assist in committee work to support strategic goals of the company.
• Follow Shannon & Wilson’s Quality Assurance policy.
• Follow and promote Shannon and Wilson’s Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field (PhD preferred for highly technical roles).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; GE license preferred where applicable.
• 20+ years of experience as a Geotechnical Engineer.
• Demonstrated history leading large, infrastructure projects.
• Experience with advanced geotechnical modeling software.
• Proven experience in leadership, project management, and client management.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities.
• High proficiency in interpreting geological and geotechnical data.
• Strong decision-making and risk-assessment skills.
• Able to work collaboratively across disciplines and lead diverse teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
• A valid driver license and insurable driving record.
• The ability to travel (drive or fly) to field sites per project needs and job sites locally and out of state.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting and carrying 30+ pounds.
• Working in all weather conditions on uneven terrain.

Qualifications

• Typically, depending on an applicant’s education, experience, other qualifications they possess, if they are a fit for the company and local office culture, and the current business needs, a Principal-Level Geotechnical Engineer would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Associate Vice President or Vice President.

Benefits

• Employee stock ownership
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
• Pre-tax health and daycare FSA
• Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe-harbor contributions
• 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees, based on years of experience (prorated for part-time employment)
• Sick leave accrues based on state requirements
• 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
• Paid volunteer day
• Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
• Two weeks of paid parental leave
• Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free parking

About the Role

Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high-quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients worldwide. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for some of the most challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting and construction conditions.

As employee owners, we are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment and utilizing innovative science practices in our work.

Skills

• Technical writing and communication abilities
• Interpretation of geological and geotechnical data
• Leadership and project management
• Client management
• Advanced geotechnical modeling software
• Decision-making and risk assessment
• Collaborative team leadership
• Travel and fieldwork

Benefits

• Employee stock ownership
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care and life insurance plans
• Pre-tax health and daycare FSA
• Profit sharing and 401(k) plans
• 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year
• Sick leave accrual based on state requirements
• 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
• Paid volunteer day
• Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
• Two weeks of paid parental leave
• Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free parking

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position.