Senior Geotechnical Engineering Manager

GAI Consultants is seeking a Senior Engineering Manager 1 for Geotechnical Engineering in the Richmond, VA area. The role involves leading and managing geotechnical projects and staff within the Power Generation Group, serving GAI's clients, and driving business development initiatives. The successful candidate will be eligible for a sign‑on bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage projects primarily for the Geotechnical Market
• Technically lead engineering tasks in the area of expertise
• Manage staff
• Function as a seller/doer
• Identify, chase, and successfully win new business opportunities
• Dedicate up to 25% of job duties to Business Development
• Serve as client contact for projects managed with support from PM Coach
• Actively win new work from both new and existing clients by building and maintaining customer relationships, monitoring future work opportunities, communicating regularly, and attending client events
• Work closely with PM Coach and/or more experienced PMs to coordinate and develop the proposed scope, schedule, and fee for the entire project
• Support senior management in contract negotiations with clients

Requirements

• 16+ years of Geotechnical Engineering/Engineering Sales experience
• Demonstrated track record of external customer engagements and building and maintaining successful client relationships
• Demonstrated working knowledge of fundamental project management skills and concepts such as: developing pricing, cost budget monitoring, calculating profit, etc.
• Willingness to learn GAI‑specific project management procedures and requirements
• Motivated, focused, and hard‑working
• Solid communication and technical writing skills
• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering; Master's Degree or Equivalent Experience Preferred
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License with reciprocity in multiple states

Qualifications

• Uses creativity, foresight, and mature judgment to anticipate and solve new problems
• Sets priorities and reconciles directions from competing interests
• Leads projects with complex features with work performed directly, or by others
• Integrates engineering economics and risk analysis into the solutions of complex engineering problems
• Integrates solutions to complex problems across specialty areas
• Demonstrates leadership
• Frequently develops standards and guidelines
• Leads a project in the practice in their area of specialization
• Frequently develops appropriate design alternatives for complex engineering projects that consider realistic requirements, constraints, community input, permitting, and other regulatory constraints
• Integrates advanced concepts, including sustainability, to solve complex problems
• Frequently oversees technical, legal, and financial issues of an entire project
• Recommends facilities, personnel, and funds required to carry out projects
• Integrates these components into a complete project management plan for a complex engineering project
• Implements effective teamwork and leadership principles into solutions for engineering problems
• Determines project objectives and requirements
• May serve as the Project Manager for certain projects with prior approval from GAI's President up to $150,000 per year
• Supervises a major practice segment or several teams
• Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits
• Implements staff development plans within their practice segment, including technical, management, and leadership skills
• Evaluates the effectiveness of leaders and teams
• Possesses exceptional oral and written communication skills, including negotiation of critical issues
• Integrates different forms of effective and persuasive communication to technical and nontechnical audiences
• Demonstrates financial acumen and familiarity with legal issues related to engineering practice
• Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key engineers and officials

Physical Requirements

• Lifting/maneuvering requirements: Up to 50 lbs
• Exposure to outdoor elements: approximately 25% of the day
• Walking long distances outdoors on uneven terrain: approximately 25% of the day
• Operating mid‑size or full‑size trucks off‑road in various weather conditions: approximately 25% of the day
• Climbing, walking, bending, navigating construction landscapes: approximately 25% of the day
• Office environment: 75%

Benefits

GAI offers an exceptional place to do meaningful work, grow your career, and make a real impact in communities nationwide. You’ll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm bringing together engineering, planning, and environmental expertise to deliver projects across transportation, infrastructure, power, and energy markets. Working alongside accomplished colleagues, you’ll help move projects from vision through construction, creating solutions that keep people moving, power essential systems, and support responsible development. At GAI, you’ll work in a team‑driven environment grounded in integrity, respect, and shared success, with the flexibility, resources, and career support that reflect a real and lasting commitment to our people.

• Competitive Pay & Recognition: Market based, competitive compensation; Performance driven recognition and development bonuses
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision plans; Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability; Company‑paid life insurance; Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Meaningful Work–Life Balance: Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays; An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you; Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Growth, Learning & Financial Security: 401(k) with company match; Tuition reimbursement; Support and rewards for professional development and certifications