Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Water Infrastructure

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Water Infrastructure  to serve as a strategic technical leader and client-facing business development driver in Sacramento—at the center of California’s most critical water infrastructure initiatives. This role is designed for a proven seller-doer who not only delivers complex geotechnical solutions but actively cultivates client relationships, leads pursuit strategies, and helps secure marquee projects such as Sites Reservoir, Delta Conveyance Project, and the California Aqueduct Subsidence Program.

This is a high-visibility opportunity to influence California’s water future while expanding AECOM’s geotechnical presence across state, federal, and local agencies.

What We’re Really Looking For

• Engineers who enjoy being in front of clients as much as in front of technical reports.
• Confident presenters who can translate technical depth into compelling client value.
• Strategic thinkers who help shape pursuits rather than waiting for RFPs.
• Growth-oriented leaders ready to expand market share in one of the nation’s most important infrastructure regions.
• Professionals who see opportunity before it is advertised.
• Leaders comfortable carrying a revenue target.
• Technical experts who can translate engineering complexity into strategic client value.
• Individuals motivated by influence, visibility, and market ownership.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Client Development & Market Growth

• Proactively develop and strengthen executive-level relationships with existing and prospective clients across California’s water sector.
• Identify upcoming opportunities early in the project lifecycle and position AECOM for sole-source, shortlist, and competitive pursuits.
• Lead and support proposal strategy, interview preparation, and client presentations—serving as a technical authority and trusted advisor.
• Partner with regional and national leadership to expand AECOM’s geotechnical footprint in dam, levee, tunnel, and conveyance markets.
• Represent AECOM at industry forums, technical conferences, and client workshops to elevate brand visibility and thought leadership.

Pursuit & Proposal Leadership

• Serve as technical lead or capture support for major pursuits, including defining win themes, differentiators, and value propositions.
• Contribute to Go/No-Go decisions and strategic positioning for high-value infrastructure programs.
• Lead technical approach development, scope definition, and fee strategy for complex proposals.
• Participate in shortlist interviews and executive presentations, articulating innovative geotechnical solutions that align with client priorities.

Technical Excellence & Delivery Leadership

• Provide senior-level geotechnical expertise for complex water infrastructure projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination on large-scale dam, tunnel, levee, and conveyance systems.
• Review, approve, and sign off on engineering deliverables.
• Guide risk management, budget forecasting, and schedule development for major programs.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers while strengthening departmental technical capabilities.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and 10+ years of relevant geotechnical experience or demonstrated equivalency.
• Active California PE license.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, including water/wastewater and conveyance infrastructure.
• Demonstrated success in client d