Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Construction Materials Testing (CMT)

About the role

ECS is hiring a Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing (CMT) work in the Pittsburgh market. This is a senior technical and strategic role focused on final technical review, risk reduction, staff mentorship, laboratory oversight, and client-facing consulting across a portfolio of public and private sector projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as final technical reviewer and eventually Engineer-of-Record for geotechnical reports, CMT reports, and supporting calculations, maintaining clear defensible recommendations.
• Provide senior oversight on subsurface exploration programs, including borings, test pits, sampling, and field documentation as needed to support report conclusions.
• Review and guide technical deliverables such as geotechnical engineering reports, foundation recommendations, pavement evaluations, earthwork and site grading recommendations, and construction observation documentation.
• Lead technical guidance for CMT operations, including interpretation of test results and recommendations tied to specifications, ASTM/AASHTO standards, and project requirements.
• Support laboratory management and quality systems, including procedures, calibration awareness, documentation practices, and corrective actions tied to CMT testing programs.
• Partner with project managers to evaluate technical scope, assumptions, and risks during proposal development and project execution.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff through technical coaching, review feedback, and structured training tied to field, lab, and reporting workflows.
• Participate in client meetings to provide technical solutions, communicate recommendations, and support project issue resolution.
• Contribute to local business development by supporting key client relationships and identifying opportunities aligned with ECS service lines.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering/Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Geology, or a closely related field.
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license.
• 12+ years of experience in a similar engineering consulting environment supporting geotechnical engineering and/or construction materials testing.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a final reviewer for technical reports and deliverables (including review of supporting calculations).
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor technical staff, and work directly with clients in a consulting setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as ACI, NICET, and/or ICC.
• Experience supporting business development, including marketing of services to agencies, owners, contractors, developers, or similar client groups.
• Familiarity with local market conditions, typical construction practices, and regional geotechnical considerations in Western Pennsylvania.