Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Legacy Engineering is a woman-owned civil engineering firm specializing in land development design, geotechnical services, construction materials testing and inspections, land surveying, planning consulting, and environmental services. Headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia, we serve clients throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

Build More Than Projects. Build a Career.

Unlike many larger firms, our engineers work directly with clients, contractors, and company leadership. We believe great engineering comes from collaboration, practical problem-solving, and giving talented people the opportunity to make meaningful decisions.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to help lead our expanding geotechnical practice.

If you enjoy solving challenging engineering problems, mentoring younger engineers, and working on a diverse mix of projects from concept through construction, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary

The Principal Geotechnical Engineer serves as a senior technical leader within Legacy Engineering's Geotechnical and Construction Services Division.

This position is responsible for leading geotechnical investigations, developing foundation recommendations, designing retaining wall systems, solving construction challenges, supporting project teams throughout construction, and mentoring engineers across the organization.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys both technical design and practical field engineering.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations for commercial, residential, municipal, industrial, and transportation projects.
• Develop foundation recommendations for shallow and deep foundation systems.
• Design retaining walls and earth retention systems.
• Perform settlement analyses and bearing capacity evaluations.
• Evaluate slope stability and earthwork recommendations.
• Prepare geotechnical engineering reports and recommendations.
• Review geotechnical calculations and technical reports prepared by staff engineers.
• Provide engineering support during active construction projects.
• Assist contractors and clients with field engineering solutions.
• Perform construction observations and forensic evaluations when needed.
• Collaborate with civil engineers, structural engineers, surveyors, and construction inspectors.
• Participate in client meetings and project planning discussions.
• Prepare technical scopes of work and assist with proposals.
• Mentor junior engineers and engineering staff.
• Review engineering deliverables for quality and technical accuracy.
• Assist in developing department standards and best practices.
• Support business development efforts through client relationships and technical expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience with commercial, industrial, municipal, or land development projects.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics and foundation engineering.
• Experience preparing geotechnical reports and engineering recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to mentor junior engineering staff.

Why Join Legacy Engineering?

At Legacy Engineering, you won't be limited to writing reports behind a desk.

You'll work alongside civil engineers, structural engineers, construction inspectors, surveyors, contractors, developers, and public agencies to solve real engineering challenges throughout Virginia.

You'll have opportunities to:

• Lead technically challenging geotechnical projects
• Work on major commercial, industrial, municipal, transportation, and data center developments
• Design foundations and earth retention systems
• Solve complex construction issues in the field
• Mentor younger engineers
• Help shape the future of a rapidly growing engineering firm
• Work directly with company leadership
• Advance your career without waiting years for opportunities

Benefits

• 8 Paid Holidays
• 15 days of PTO
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage including a low cost employee medical option
• HSA and FSA plans available
• Employer paid Short Term, Long Term, Life and AD&D Insurance plans
• 401k plan with up to 5% match
• Continuing education and certifications provided
• And many more great benefits including numerous sponsored company events

Compensation for this position is $110,000to $150,000/Annually, commensurate with experience, education and certifications.

Legacy Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace that values diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and join our team.

Legacy Engineering is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to check work authorizations of every employee during our hiring process.

Legacy Engineering es un empleador que participa en E-Verify y utiliza E-Verify para verificar la autorización de trabajo de cada empleado durante nuestro proceso de contratación.

*No recruiters or staffing agencies, should contact Legacy Engineering about this role.