Associate Principal - Transportation & Design-Build

ECS is seeking an Associate Principal Engineer to join our transportation group in North Carolina contributing technical expertise and leadership to a variety of complex geotechnical and transportation projects. This role focuses on technical excellence, mentorship, and quality control while supporting departmental operations. Business development plays a secondary role, with a greater emphasis on project execution and staff development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance and leadership to geotechnical engineering teams

• Oversee and review subsurface explorations, including drilling, test pits, and inspections

• Perform and review slope stability analyses, foundation designs (shallow and deep), retaining structures, and settlement evaluations

• Conduct technical reviews of reports and deliverables, providing final approval with a professional stamp

• Ensure all work meets project requirements, DOT Geotechnical Design Manual (GDM), and AASHTO LRFD specifications

• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, project managers, and technicians, fostering professional growth

• Participate in committees for advancing staff to Associate Principal designation

• Assist with departmental planning and operations, including financial and resource management

• Host and attend project meetings with clients and internal teams to provide geotechnical solutions

• Collaborate across departments to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

• Uphold quality control measures to ensure high standards of technical deliverables

• Support the development of innovative approaches to enhance project efficiency and performance

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred

• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.)

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on project management, technical review, and quality control

• Strong knowledge of geotechnical principles, DOT GDM, AASHTO LRFD specifications, and related engineering software (e.g., gINT, LPile, APile, MSEW, GRLWEAP).

• Proficiency in technical report writing and project management

• Valid driver's license for travel on behalf of ECS

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #66 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2025), #148 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.