Geotechnical Engineering Manager (Richmond)

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking for a technically diversified Civil/Geotechnical Engineering Manager 1 to support our Power Generation Geotechnical Engineering Group working in Richmond, VA office. An ideal candidate’s opportunities would include developing client and business relationships and providing staff management and civil and geotechnical engineering expertise across a diverse range of multi-discipline design and construction projects.

This candidate will be able to perform project planning, design, engineering, and geotechnical engineering services for Energy, Institutional, Industrial, and Manufacturing clients. Bring your talent to a range of stimulating projects alongside supportive and accomplished teammates—advance your career, fulfill your professional aspirations, and express your entrepreneurial spirit as an essential contributor to an established and growing company.

Responsibilities:

• Building relationships with Energy, Institutional, Industrial, and Manufacturing clients and internal clients within GAI’s Business Sectors.
• Leading business development pursuits and developing statements of qualifications and proposed project scopes of work, schedules, budgets, and fees.
• Developing an understanding of and marketing the services GAI performs.
• Collaborating, developing, and executing a business plan.
• Serving as a primary seller/doer for the Power Generation Business Sector, Geotechnical Group throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
• Project and task management responsibilities include delivering the scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and profitability of all projects managed. Plans and manages small to medium value projects and multiple projects at one time. works closely with Project Accounting to monitor and control project cost and billings to meet budget profit, analyze project performance data, and develop recovery plans as needed.
• Providing design, management, and technical direction and oversight associated with geotechnical components on multi-discipline design and construction projects.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to the geotechnical group
• Leading teams to successfully execute all assigned projects.
• Working with Accounting staff to monitor and control project costs and billings to meet budgeted profit.

General Characteristics

• Applies thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of engineering related to the variety of aspects affecting their practice.
• Applies progressively acquired expertise to resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions.
• Keeps informed of new methods and developments affecting their practice and recommends new practices or changes in emphasis of projects.
• Leads projects of moderate complexity and scope or leads a major project.
• Analyzes complex problems across specialty areas appropriate to the practice of engineering.
• Analyzes ethical dilemmas to determine appropriate courses of action.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 12+

Education

• B.S. or M.S. Engineering

Certification/Licensure

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License, reciprocity in multiple states.

Technical Responsibilities

• Frequently serves as the technical advisor for the practice in the application of advanced concepts and methods in an assigned area.
• Keeps informed of new developments and requirements affecting the practice for the purpose of recommending changes in projects or applications.
• Frequently develops new techniques and/or improved processes, materials, or products.
• Values and analyzes sustainable performance of complex engineering projects from a systems perspective.

Project and Task Management

• Frequently plans, schedules, and coordinates the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects or is responsible for an entire project of a practice.
• Analyzes project management plans for complex engineering projects.
• Understands project delivery uncertainties and uses risk management principles to address them. Reviews operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures.
• May serve as the Project Manager for certain projects with prior approval from GAI's President up to $50,000 per year.

Management Responsibility

• Supervises a staff of engineers and technicians.
• Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.
• Provides continued mentored experience to senior staff.
• Integrates professional attitudes relevant to the practice of engineering and fosters creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability in staff.

Communication Skills

• Applies principles of formal strategic and persuasive communications.
• Represents their area of specialty within the practice and liaises with related individuals and practices.
• Routinely interacts with practice leaders, clients, officials, contractors, and others.
• Integrates concepts of effective teamwork and leadership.

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 offroad in various weather conditions: approximately 25% of the day
• Climbing, walking, bending, navigating construction landscapes: approximately 25% of the day
• Office environment: 75%

Why GAI?

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. That commitment includes comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts. With opportunities across the U.S., GAI offers the collaboration and client focus of regional teams, supported by the stability, resources, and career-development opportunities of an established and growing firm.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

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