Department Manager, Geotechnical

Michael Baker International is seeking a visionary and experienced Geotechnical Engineering Department Manager to lead and expand our geotechnical engineering business. This role is responsible for strategic leadership, technical excellence, and operational oversight. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and a passion for innovation in geotechnical engineering.

This position is an in-office role to be located in our Pittsburgh (Moon Township) PA office headquarters.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred).

EXPERIENCE:

• 12+ years of related geotechnical engineering experience.
• 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Proven track record of successfully managing geotechnical projects and teams.
• Prior experience with geotechnical engineering investigations and geotechnical construction.
• Office experience with investigation and field work coordination, geotechnical reports, and specification writing.
• Design and field experience in earthwork, ground improvements, shallow and deep foundations, load testing, retaining walls, bridge foundations, dams, and support of excavation.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Pennsylvania Professional Engineer (PE) license required or ability to obtain within 6 months. Additional state PE licenses are a plus.
• Additional certifications in geotechnical engineering or project management are a plus.

SKILLS:

• Excellent leadership acumen and the ability to effectively develop a team of engineers to align performance with business goals.
• Strong business development capabilities driven by a relationship-focused approach and a robust network.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities.
• Proficient in geotechnical engineering software and tools.

RESPONSIBILITIES, LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT:

• Lead a geotechnical engineering department in designing, developing, and delivering project tasks while managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality control.
• Provide QA/QC leadership, guidance, and technical oversight of geotechnical services.
• Coordinate project priorities, staffing schedules, and staff assignments to ensure clients receive the proper resources appropriately.
• Responsible for technical coaching, mentoring, and efficient, productive staff utilization in delivering high-quality service.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the department's operating budget in support of the group or office operating budget and forecast updates.
• Manage assigned project management activities (project scope, schedule, budget, and quality management) and perform technical discipline tasks including research, reports, design, specifications, and plan preparation.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and review of work for staff.
• Lead preparation of proposals, coordinating projects, managing clients, and managing billings.
• Oversee the preparation of technical reports, specifications, construction plans, and geotechnical recommendations.
• Perform and manage multiple projects and tasks within specific budgets, schedules, and deadlines.
• Monitor budgets, schedules, and project timelines.
• Support the implementation of the firm's strategic plan.
• Support the implementation of the Michael Baker Way process through project delivery and contracting activities including scope, work plan, and fee reviews for all contracting activities impacting the department.
• Support the implementation of Work Planning, Monthly Project Reviews, and other project performance methods to ensure quality work, on time, on schedule, to the client's satisfaction.
• Assist in marketing responsibilities, including client discovery, proposal generation, and interviews.
• Maintain client contacts to ensure client satisfaction.
• Lead and assist in sales and marketing efforts for department's growth.
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain department staff, includ