Chief Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer serves as the firm’s highest-level technical authority for geotechnical and transportation infrastructure projects, providing strategic engineering direction, technical oversight, and leadership across complex civil infrastructure work. This role is ideal for a highly respected engineering leader who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to establish standards, guide engineering teams, support key clients, and influence the long-term growth of the geotechnical practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the firm’s ultimate technical authority for geotechnical and transportation engineering projects.
• Participates in the senior management team of the company.
• Establish technical standards, quality procedures, and best practices across the organization.
• Provide senior-level oversight and review of complex geotechnical reports, analyses, designs, and project deliverables.
• Guide project teams in resolving complex engineering challenges and technical issues.
• Serve as a senior technical liaison with key clients, DOTs, and agency partners.
• Provide technical leadership for major proposals, pursuits, interviews, and strategic opportunities.
• Develop and mentor senior engineering staff through technical coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Master’s preferred with Geotechnical focus).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required (GA or SC preferred with ability to obtain additional licenses as needed).
• 20+ years of geotechnical or civil engineering consulting experience.
• Extensive background in geotechnical engineering, transportation infrastructure, and DOT projects.
• Demonstrated experience as a senior technical leader, reviewer, or engineering authority.
• Strong ability to influence technical direction and develop engineering teams.
• Excellent communication skills and executive-level client experience.

Preferred Experience

• Transportation/highway and DOT project experience.
• Design-Build project experience.
• Experience establishing technical standards and engineering practices.
• Experience leading technical teams, departments, or practice areas.
• Prior/Current role as Chief Engineer, Senior Principal Engineer, Technical Director, or Engineering Practice Leader.

What Success Looks Like

• Recognized as the firm’s ultimate technical authority for geotechnical and transportation challenges.
• Establishes consistent engineering standards and elevates technical quality across the organization.
• Trusted advisor to executive leadership, DOTs, and key clients.
• Develops future technical leaders and strengthens the firm’s engineering capabilities.
• Supports strategic growth through technical excellence, industry reputation, and client relationships.