Geotechnical Group Manager - Special Projects Group

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Geotechnical Group Manager to lead our Special Projects Group based in the Midwest Subsidiary. This leadership role is ideal for a geotechnical professional who is passionate about client development and service line growth, solving complex engineering problems and thrives in a highly technical, design-focused environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in geotechnical design, project management, and DOT-related work and will be responsible for delivering exceptional technical quality while guiding a team of engineers through challenging and innovative geotechnical projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, lead and manage a team of geotechnical engineers working on complex and high-profile special projects, including those for DOT clients.
• Provide technical oversight and perform advanced geotechnical analyses and designs, including:
• Deep and shallow foundation systems
• Retaining structures
• Ground improvement techniques
• Slope stability and embankment design
• Pavement subgrade evaluations
• Oversee the preparation of geotechnical reports, specifications, and construction documents.
• Serve as a technical expert and internal resource for complex design challenges and project troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, particularly within the geo-structural design and construction sector, state and local DOTs, and assist in developing new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with other department managers, project managers, and senior leadership to ensure quality, profitability, and timely delivery of projects.
• Mentor junior staff and support their technical and professional development.
• Monitor workload, project performance, and staff utilization within the group.
• Provide Principal review, oversight, and project management to local offices.
• National account manager for selected clients.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (Master's degree preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; SE or GE license a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience in geotechnical design, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong working knowledge of DOT standards, particularly for Illinois and surrounding states.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, LPILE, Slope/W, Settle3, gINT, and others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven project management skills and experience overseeing multi-disciplinary teams.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead high-impact projects with technical complexity and visibility.
• Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service.
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
• Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning.

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 2,800 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), #144 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2024) and #50 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (June 2025). For additional information about ECS click here.

We love our employees and we show this through providing some great benefits, including paid time off, health and other insurance plans, retirement and college savings plans, and more. Click here to learn more about the great benefits at ECS.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This means that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.