Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Job Description

Take Your Geotechnical Career to the Next Level 

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Geotechnical team is looking for you! From earthquake and seismic engineering to the latest trenchless technology methods, Kleinfelder's Geotechnical Services support the planning, engineering, and construction of complex projects, and our specialists are leading experts in their fields. 

Step into Your New Role  

Kleinfelder is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with 12+ years of experience to join our Denver, CO based team. Qualified candidates must possess at least a B.S. in Civil Engineering (geotechnical emphasis), Geological Engineering, or related field plus a Professional Engineering (PE) license. Candidates with a Master’s degree in the above disciplines are strongly preferred but not required. Candidates must possess excellent technical, organizational, interpersonal, communication, computer, and writing skills. The candidate must be able to function well in large and small teams comprised of technical and non-technical professionals with diverse experience and qualifications. The ideal candidate will have diverse geotechnical experience in multiple geologic environments and markets throughout the contiguous United States. This position involves technical leadership, oversight of analysis and geotechnical engineering, and project management on projects primarily in the power, transportation, industrial, and water market sectors.

While this role is primarily based on-site, we’re open to remote arrangements for the right candidate who brings exceptional skills, experience, and alignment with our mission. If you're passionate, self-driven, and thrive in a virtual environment, we’d love to hear from you.

The selected candidate will work with technical teams and be expected to deliver a diverse range of geotechnical engineering services. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing and presenting technical presentations to clients, extracurricular organizations, and internal training programs.
• Assessment of site geology and geologic hazards.
• Planning and technical oversight of subsurface explorations, foundation load testing, and laboratory testing.
• Geotechnical engineering activities may include one or more of the following: evaluation of shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, pavement design, embankment dams, and large earthmoving projects.
• Perform independent technical reviews of calculations, analysis, plans, specifications, and reports prepared by other colleagues.
• Develop or guide the development of workflow processes and tools to streamline the work.
• Professionally train and mentor technical and non-technical staff at all levels.
• Being externally focused on growing client relationships and developing business through the work.
• Capturing business development opportunities through preparation of technical proposals
• Effectively uses Learns about and adheres to Kleinfelder workflows, processes, and policies to secure project resources, complete proposals, develop contracts, maintain project records, monitor project performance, bill clients, collect receivables, and close out.
• Will assist team members in resource sharing efforts, provide loss prevention system (LPS) stewardship, and facilitate collaboration with markets managers.

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of experience and education required, Master's preferred.

Experience: 12+ years of related experience in consulting engineering firm or related service business and knowledge of applicable laws and regulations required; or 8 years related experience with a Master's; or 6 years related experience with a PhD.

Certification/Registration: Professional Engineering licensure required. 

Other Knowledge and Skills: Superior communication skills and in-depth knowledge of company products and operations. High level of technical expertise and knowledge of current scientific information in specialty area. Reputation as subject matter expert based on publications and presentations desired. Proficiency in software including Lpile, Apile, Shaft, GeoStudio Suite, Settle3D, slope stability analyses, or similar is necessary for this role.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder: Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver.  

Progress with an Employer that Values You 

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:  

Benefits: Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.  

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.  Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary range: $124,000 - $182,000.  We will be accepting applications through 6/12/2026 (90 days from posting date).  

Career Development: We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.  

Equal Opportunity: Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)  

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES   

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.