Geotechnical Project Manager

About the role

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer / Project Manager to join our Southern California team in either Laguna Hills or Los Angeles. This hybrid role blends remote work, in-office collaboration, and occasional field engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in the development of proposals, project execution plans, and technical deliverables.
• Provide leadership, project oversight, and strategic direction for complex technical and field assignments.
• Plan, manage, and oversee field exploration programs and construction oversight activities with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Perform, delegate, and review a wide range of geotechnical analyses, including soil and rock classification, foundation design, settlement analysis, slope stability, seismic hazard evaluation (ground motions, liquefaction, lateral spreading), and earth retention systems.
• Develop and deliver high-quality technical documents, including geotechnical engineering reports, memorandums, proposals, specifications, and related deliverables.
• Maintain active involvement during the construction phase to support design intent, troubleshoot field issues, and ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Cultivate strong client relationships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and technical excellence.
• Develop scopes of work, project budgets, work breakdown structures, and schedules, ensuring alignment with client expectations and internal standards.
• Manage project teams, monitor budgets and schedules, delegate tasks effectively, and mentor junior staff to support their technical and professional growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required; GE license or ability to obtain one is desired.
• Progressive geotechnical engineering experience demonstrating increasing responsibility in subsurface investigations, geotechnical analysis, foundation design, earth retention systems, slope stability, ground improvement, or related areas.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• PMP Certification is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead project delivery, manage budgets and schedules, and mentor junior staff.
• Proficiency with standard business software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with VBA in Excel is a plus.
• Experience with geotechnical software such as LPile, APile, SHAFT, GROUP, gINT, GEO STUDIO (Slope/W, Seep/W, Sigma/W), SLIDE, Settle3, and MSEW.
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a drug test.
• Ability to commute to the office, client meetings, and project sites in and around Southern California.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required; GE license or ability to obtain one is desired.
• Progressive geotechnical engineering experience demonstrating increasing responsibility in subsurface investigations, geotechnical analysis, foundation design, earth retention systems, slope stability, ground improvement, or related areas.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• PMP Certification is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead project delivery, manage budgets and schedules, and mentor junior staff.
• Proficiency with standard business software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with VBA in Excel is a plus.
• Experience with geotechnical software such as LPile, APile, SHAFT, GROUP, gINT, GEO STUDIO (Slope/W, Seep/W, Sigma/W), SLIDE, Settle3, and MSEW.
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a drug test.

Benefits

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• 401(k) plan

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.