Principal Geotechnical / Civil Engineer

Job Title

GFT is seeking a Principal Geotechnical / Civil Engineer to join our Geotechnical, Dams & Hydraulics team! This role follows a remote work model and this person can be located anywhere within the United States, however preferece will be given to those in any of the following locations:

• Jacksonville, FL
• Mechanicsburg, PA
• Owings Mills, MD
• Houston, TX
• Fort Worth, TX
• Denver, CO
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Phoenix, AZ
• Roseville, CA
• Oakland, CA

About TP

Joining the dams and hydraulics team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.

Your Responsibilities

This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivated Principal Geotechnical Engineer or Principal Civil Engineer who thrives in a collaborative team environment. As a Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for technical and business aspects of the firm and provide expert technical input or oversight on large, complex water resources projects across the United States.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Independently designs and/or leads the charge to complete major projects
• Manages and leads major or multiple large projects with multi-disciplinary teams and subcontractors and/or subconsultants
• Plans and determines scope, resources, schedule, and budget requirements for major and/or complex projects
• Independently applies extensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices to evaluate, select, and apply techniques, procedures, and analyses
• Performs dam and levee safety inspections and assessments
• Performs construction support services, including assisting clients with bid activities, performs construction observation, interacts and coordinates with contractors/inspectors/agencies, manages field changes, and closes out projects
• Reviews completed project documents for conformity and quality assurance
• Conducts business development to build a book of business. Generates leads, pursues new opportunities, and develops new markets/clients.
• Builds and maintains client relationships, works to identify and understand client needs, and manages client expectations. Assists clients with risk evaluation and asset management.
• Manages technical staff to build a high performing team that delivers an exceptional work product. Mentors the team in preparation for future challenges.
• Develops new techniques and/or improved processes
• Leads project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignments
• Represents the organization in communications and conferences pertaining to broad aspects of engineering assignments
• Assigns tasks to and directs junior consultants and technicians
• Supervises one or more technical staff
• Trains staff on use of specialty software or proprietary applications
• Assists senior management in implementing business programs, and may manage organizational programs under the direction of senior management

What you will bring to our firm

• Bachelor of Science degree: in Geo-technical or Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university.
• 15 or more years: of increasing responsibility and experience in geo-technical or civil engineering.
• Experience: in project management on multi-disciplinary teams, and business and client development
• Professional Engineering license: in one of the listed states, or the ability to obtain via comity.
• Working knowledge: of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MS Office, and similar computer programs.
• Expert-level knowledge: of engineering concepts, theories and practices as applied to slope stability, seepage analysis, seepage control, and dam and levee design.
• Proficient: in the review and preparation of reports, plans, specifications, and estimates.
• Knowledge: of specialized computer analysis programs (e.g., GeoStudio, Mathcad, etc.).
• Expert-level knowledge: of engineering concepts, theories and practices applicable to H&H modeling, including stormwater management and flood risk mitigation.
• Proficient: in HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and similar computer programs.

What we prefer you bring

• Master of Science degree: in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university
• Previous approval: as a FERC Independent Consultants and/or Subject Matter Expert
• Knowledge: of deep foundation design and/or landslide stabilization
• Proficiency: in LifeSim, RMC-RFA, Arc-GIS, and RMC-BestFit software.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $190,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

About GFT

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

Location

Location: Jacksonville, FL; Mechanicsburg, PA; Houston, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; Phoenix, AZ; Roseville, CA; Oakland, CA

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary Range: $140,000 - $190,000

Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 12/6/25

Background Check

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

California Applicants

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

Job Type

#LI-KV1

#LI-remote

Employment Type: FULL_TIME