Principal Geotechnical Engineer

About Atlas

Atlas is a trusted leader in environmental and infrastructure consulting services; we provide services that enable communities to flourish and thrive. With a team of 3,500 employees and offices throughout the US, we combine local expertise and a network of relationships to deliver solutions to both public and private clients. Our services help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. We always aim for smart, safe, and sustainable results. At Atlas we understand that our future is everyone’s responsibility, and we create a better experience at every stage of a project.

Job Description

Atlas is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead and support a wide range of infrastructure and facilities projects across the public and private sectors. This role will be responsible for providing senior-level technical oversight, managing complex geotechnical designs, and guiding teams from planning through design and construction. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in geotechnical engineering, strong leadership capabilities, and experience delivering projects in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. This position will play a key role in client engagement, technical quality, and strategic growth, particularly in transportation, infrastructure, and federal (including NAVFAC) markets.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance on geotechnical engineering aspects of a wide range of projects in public and private sectors, ensuring conformance with local, state, and federal guidelines
• Lead geotechnical design, investigation, and analysis for buildings and infrastructure projects, including residential/commercial buildings, bridges, highways, railways, airports, pipelines, and levees/basins
• Direct and supervise subsurface explorations, laboratory testing, geotechnical data interpretation, and instrumentation monitoring programs to ensure high-quality, timely, and within-budget project delivery
• Lead geotechnical design and analysis for shallow and deep foundations, earthworks, slope stability, seepage, lateral earth pressures, and geotechnical earthquake engineering
• Provide geotechnical support during construction, including foundations, drilled shafts, pile driving, grading, utility trenching, and earthwork operations
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to ensure geotechnical concerns are addressed effectively
• Mentor and train junior geotechnical engineers while supporting client relationships and business development efforts

You’ll thrive here if you have

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required; Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering preferred
• 15+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering, including design and analysis, field investigations, and construction supervision
• Licensed Geotechnical Engineer in the state of California required
• Local experience and familiarity with regional engineering practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support effective team collaboration
• Deep technical knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles, includin