Geotechnical Department Manager

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Geotechnical Engineer to support a variety of projects involving site investigation, engineering analysis, and technical reporting. In this role, you will evaluate subsurface conditions, interpret soil and rock data, and provide engineering input for project planning and design. Responsibilities include preparing reports, conducting geotechnical assessments, and developing recommendations related to foundations, earthworks, and ground conditions.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of geotechnical principles, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to delivering practical, high-quality engineering solutions. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary project teams, work on diverse assignments, and support the development of junior staff.

The Geotechnical Department Manager will lead, manage and provide technical engineering oversight for geotechnical projects from planning through completion for new and existing clients.  The Geotechnical Department Manager will manage projects, clients and geotechnical personnel.  This role is also responsible for leading, designing and streamlining daily engineering operations, project scopes, budgets and schedules, overseeing technical execution, risk assessments and regulatory compliance, to ensure they align with the business objectives set forth by senior management.  The Department Manager also assists with business development for additional geotechnical work for the branch and the region. 

• Oversee the geotechnical department to include projects, personnel and P&L.
• Provide senior technical oversight and expertise on complex proposals and projects.
• Perform engineering analyses to evaluate site suitability, structural support requirements, and overall project feasibility.
• Lead and manage field investigations, risk assessments and geotechnical hazard evaluations to gather site-specific data and evaluate ground conditions in support of engineering assessments and project planning.
• Staff geotechnical field work and provide guidance and oversight for collection of field data.
• Provide on-site project management to complete field testing ensuring accurate and detailed daily field activity and/or diagrams and report findings to clients and supervisors.
• Classify soils per ASTM standards.
• Review engineering reports, lot letters and field recommendations produced by field staff.
• Develop and review technical reports, design recommendations, and feasibility studies to support planning, permitting, and construction activities.
• Generate technical reports, recommendations and other documentation needed by clients, including engineering and design.
• Develop and implement project scopes, site meetings, estimates, proposals, budgets, schedules, and deliverables to meet client and business objectives. 
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements and geotechnical best practices.
• Oversee quality control and adherence to best practices, industry standards (ASTM, AASHTO, ASCE, etc.), and regulatory guidelines to ensure compliance with materials testing and geotechnical best practices.
• Lead risk assessments and geotechnical hazard evaluations for infrastructure, environmental remediation and construction projects.

• Identify potential risks or challenges related to site conditions and contribute to the development of mitigation strategies and quality assurance measures.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, construction, and environmental professionals, to support comprehensive and coordinated project execution.
• Coordinate and communicate findings and recommendations clearly to internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders through meetings, presentations, and written documentation to ensure seamless project execution. 
• Develop and implement project scopes, budgets, schedules, and deliverables to meet client and business objectives. 
• Participate in business development, networking and marketing efforts with new and existing clients. 
• Review, update and approve invoices weekly for on-going projects.
• Maintain excellent communication both verbally and electronically with senior management, other project managers and colleagues to improve consistency and efficiency in reporting procedures. 
• Provide mentorship and training to project managers and junior staff regarding engineering problems or client interactions, fostering technical skill development.
• Work independently and collaboratively within office and field environments, adapting to dynamic project needs.
• Travel to project sites as needed to conduct inspections, assessments, and provide engineering support.
• Ensure strict adherence to company safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and environmental requirements, promoting a culture of workplace safety and compliance.
• Aid in quality control of geotechnical lab testing performed by the in-house laboratory.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry standards, tools, and best practices to support innovation and continuous improvement in engineering processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 10+ years of professional experience in geotechnical or related engineering roles, preferably supporting infrastructure, construction, or environmental projects.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required or the ability to obtain within 1 year. 

• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and codes (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO, FHWA, ASCE).

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations relevant to geotechnical and environmental projects.

• Proficiency in engineering tools and software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PLAXIS, GeoStudio, LPILE, Settle3, or similar).

• Solid foundation in engineering principles, soil mechanics, hydrology, structural interaction, and construction methods.

• Experience conducting field investigations, analyzing test data, and translating findings into practical engineering recommendations.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical challenges, develop data-driven solutions, and contribute to risk mitigation strategies.

• Strong project coordination, time management, and task prioritization skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Experience preparing technical specifications, reports, proposals, and cost estimates.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, support project execution, and provide mentorship to junior staff.

• Ability to lead project teams and coordinate multi-disciplinary efforts with proven experience in client communication, engagement and contract negotiations.
• Proven track record of managing mid-to-large scale engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Knowledge and familiarity with industry standards and regulations in geotechnical and construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, AASHTO, DOT, ASCE, OSHA, laboratory testing, soil classifications, and construction oversight.
• Experience developing project scopes, budgets, schedules, and risk assessments for infrastructure or construction projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to write technical reports, proposals, business correspondences and/or procedure manuals as needed. 
• Ability to lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate multidisciplinary efforts.
• Proven experience in client communication, engagement, and presentation to others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, proposal writing, and presentations.

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• Days and hours for this position are typically Monday-Friday.
• Some weekend, overtime work and/or overnight work and travel may be required.
• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a professional office and field/work site setting.
• Typically, this position involves 25% field work, 75% office work, depending on the week/work.
  
  • On-Site Office Requirements:
  • Work is performed at a desk for extended periods using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment in a climate-controlled office environment.
  • Regular in-person communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders is required.
  • Physical demands may include sitting for long durations, occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of materials up to 15 pounds.
  • Field Environment:
  • Work at outdoor sites including wetlands, forests, grasslands, construction zones, and undeveloped land.
  • Travel on foot across uneven, rugged, or obstructed terrain, sometimes in areas inaccessible by vehicle.
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, or sun.
  • Possible presence of insects, animals, or natural and man-made hazards in field environments.
  • Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35–75 lbs. of equipment or samples over distances up to 75 feet.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate lab and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during both lab and fieldwork.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats in varied environments, often while wearing PPE.
  • Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception, depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes.

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UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement here.