Geotechnical Engineer (Principal-Level)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high-quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients worldwide. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for some of the most challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting and construction conditions.

As employee owners, we are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment and utilizing innovative science practices in our work.

Job Summary

The Principal Geotechnical Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for delivering geotechnical engineering solutions, guiding multidisciplinary teams, advancing technical excellence, and supporting business development. This role provides strategic direction on geotechnical investigations, design methodologies, risk management, and project execution across major infrastructure and development projects.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the geotechnical technical authority, providing peer review, quality oversight, and sign-off on geotechnical deliverables. 
• Manage all phases of technical engineering projects, provide guidance to the engineering teams working on projects, and assure successful achievement of project goals.
• Lead proposal development to include: project scoping; fee estimating; and review and negotiate of contracts. 
• Build and maintain client relationships; serve as a trusted adviser on geotechnical issues; resolve client conflicts and concerns. 
• Oversee quality control, conduct engineering studies and investigations, and prepare and review design reports, progress reports, and project completion reports for company management.
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives, market positioning, and technical capability development.
• Conduct and supervise analyses, studies and calculations (e.g., finite element modeling, seismic response, settlement modeling, slope stability, seepage). 
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level geotechnical engineers and may supervise a team of engineers.
• Lead or support recruitment and talent development for geotechnical teams.
• Review operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures. 
• Keeps abreast of industry trends and issues.
• Assist in committee work to support strategic goals of the company.
• Follow Shannon & Wilson’s Quality Assurance policy.
• Follow and promote Shannon and Wilson’s Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field (PhD preferred for highly technical roles). 
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; GE license preferred where applicable.
• 20+ years of experience as a Geotechnical Engineer.
• Demonstrated history leading large, infrastructure projects.
• Experience with advanced geotechnical modeling software.
• Proven experience in leadership, project management, and client management.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities. 
• High proficiency in interpreting geological and geotechnical data. 
• Strong decision-making and risk-assessment skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and lead diverse teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
• A valid driver license and insurable driving record. 
• The ability to travel (drive or fly) to field sites per project needs and job sites locally and out of state.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds. 
• Working in all weather conditions on uneven terrain. 

Level Placement

Typically, depending on an applicant’s education, experience, other qualifications they possess, if they are a fit for the company and local office culture, and the current business needs, a Principal-Level Geotechnical Engineer would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Associate Vice President or Vice President.

The base annual salary for this position will be $150,000 - $200,000.

Shannon & Wilson is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards package that includes the following benefits:

• Employee stock ownership
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
• Pre-tax health and daycare FSA
• Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe-harbor contributions
• 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees, based on years of experience (prorated for part-time employment) 
• Sick leave accrues based on state requirements 
• 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
• Paid volunteer day
• Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
• Two weeks of paid parental leave
• Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program 
• Mentorship Program 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Free parking

Shannon & Wilson is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Shannon & Wilson participates in the E-Verify program.

Please note that non-solicited resumes from external recruitment agencies will not be considered as introductions to our business, unless a preapproved agreement is in place and the external recruitment agency has been engaged to work on this specific vacancy.