Principal Geotechnical Engineer Jobs
Principal Geotechnical Engineer jobs are open across engineering consultancies, infrastructure firms, mining companies, and public agencies, with roles from senior engineer to principal and technical director, specializing in slope stability, foundation design, and ground improvement. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Principal Geotechnical Engineer, P.Eng. – Tailings and Dams
Calgary, AB, Vancouver, BC, Toronto, ON
Worley Consulting, the specialist consulting business of Worley, provides technical and advisory solutions across the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors. We deliver safe, high-quality work throughout the project lifecycle and seek experienced professionals who share our commitment to technical excellence, client service and sustainable project outcomes.
Purpose of the role
The Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Tailings and Dams will provide senior technical and project leadership for geotechnical engineering associated with mine tailings facilities, earth dams, water-retaining structures and related mining infrastructure. You will influence projects from pre-feasibility and site investigation through detailed design, construction and ongoing engineering support, delivering solutions that balance safety, technical performance, risk, constructability and commercial objectives.
As a senior member of the Geoscience Practice, you will strengthen customer relationships, contribute to regional and global geoscience strategies, identify and secure new opportunities, guide multidisciplinary project teams and develop emerging technical talent.
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Vancouver, British Columbia, Toronto, Ontario
You will be responsible for:
- Lead geotechnical engineering delivery for complex mining, tailings and dam projects, providing technical direction across the project lifecycle.
- Serve as a senior technical authority for tailings facilities, earth dams, water-retaining structures and associated mine infrastructure, providing practical solutions to complex geotechnical challenges.
- Plan and oversee geological and geotechnical investigation programs, including site reconnaissance, drilling, rock coring, advanced laboratory testing, interpretation and site characterization.
- Develop engineering solutions and tailings strategies that balance safety, technical performance, constructability, environmental considerations, project risk and commercial objectives.
- Lead geotechnical projects and technical workstreams, maintaining alignment with scope, schedule, budget, quality and customer expectations.
- Build trusted customer relationships through technical leadership, client meetings, workshops and industry-facing presentations, clearly communicating complex geotechnical risks and recommendations.
- Drive business development and strategic pursuits by identifying opportunities, supporting major bids and leading technical input for proposals, presentations, negotiations, schedules and engineering or capital cost estimates.
- Collaborate with geotechnical, geological, mining, environmental and multidisciplinary engineering professionals across Worley to deliver integrated solutions for complex mining and infrastructure challenges.
- Champion Worley’s commitment to zero harm by integrating health, safety and environmental considerations into technical decisions, field programs and project delivery.
- Mentor and develop junior and intermediate professionals while contributing to technical quality, knowledge sharing, practice development and the broader Geoscience strategy.
What you’ll bring to the role:
Required qualifications and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with APEGA and/or Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) or Ontario (PEO), as applicable.
- 15 or more years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, with substantial experience supporting mining and related infrastructure projects.
- Deep technical expertise in mine tailings facilities, mining geotechnics, mine infrastructure, earth dams and water-retaining structures, including slope and dam stability, seepage, seismic response, liquefaction assessment and geotechnical risk.
- Demonstrated capability to lead and supervise geotechnical engineering across the project lifecycle, from field investigation and interpretation through design, construction support and technical reporting.
- Proven success in business development and winning work, including major pursuits, proposal development, bid support and engineering or capital cost estimates.
- Strong project leadership capabilities, with the ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, resources, technical quality and project risk.
- Established success building customer relationships and communicating complex technical information clearly and professionally.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, supported by effective organizational and time management capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary and geographically distributed teams.
Preferred assets
- Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline.
- Experience serving as a lead on major mining, tailings, dam or multidisciplinary engineering projects.
- Experience supporting international mining or tailings projects across multiple regulatory and geographic environments.
- Working knowledge of industry-standard project planning and cost management systems and ISO 9001-aligned quality management systems.
Compensation
For applicants based in the province of British Columbia, the salary range is $156,456 to $230,083.
Application of the pay band: Variation in salary is determined by factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, relevant years of experience, geographic location, internal pay equity, and prevailing market conditions for the specific role.
Apply today
Bring your expertise in tailings, dams and mining geotechnics to a role where you can influence complex projects, build trusted customer relationships and help develop the next generation of technical talent.
Join Worley Consulting and help deliver practical, high-quality solutions that strengthen the safety, resilience and long-term performance of critical mining and water-retaining infrastructure.
About Us
Worley is a global company of energy, chemicals and resources experts headquartered in Australia. We partner with our customers to deliver projects and create value across the life of their assets. We specialize in consulting, engineering, procurement and construction across the project lifecycle, with services extending through to operations and decommissioning. Leveraging extensive experience and AI-enabled delivery, we support customers in navigating complexity as they meet today’s needs and transition to more sustainable solutions. Join us and help drive innovation and sustainability in our projects.
Moving forward together
We want our people to be energized and empowered to drive sustainable impact. So, our focus is on a values-inspired culture that unlocks brilliance through belonging, connection and innovation. We’re building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. Creating a space where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, and are heard.
And we’re not just talking about it; we’re doing it. We’re reskilling our people, leveraging transferable skills, and supporting the transition of our workforce to become experts in today’s low carbon energy infrastructure and technology. Whatever your ambition, there’s a path for you here. And there’s no barrier to your potential career success. Join us to broaden your horizons, explore diverse opportunities, and be part of delivering sustainable change.
#LI-NM4
Principal Geotechnical Engineer, P.Eng. – Tailings and Dams
Calgary, AB, Vancouver, BC, Toronto, ON
Worley Consulting, the specialist consulting business of Worley, provides technical and advisory solutions across the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors. We deliver safe, high-quality work throughout the project lifecycle and seek experienced professionals who share our commitment to technical excellence, client service and sustainable project outcomes.
Purpose of the role
The Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Tailings and Dams will provide senior technical and project leadership for geotechnical engineering associated with mine tailings facilities, earth dams, water-retaining structures and related mining infrastructure. You will influence projects from pre-feasibility and site investigation through detailed design, construction and ongoing engineering support, delivering solutions that balance safety, technical performance, risk, constructability and commercial objectives.
As a senior member of the Geoscience Practice, you will strengthen customer relationships, contribute to regional and global geoscience strategies, identify and secure new opportunities, guide multidisciplinary project teams and develop emerging technical talent.
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Vancouver, British Columbia, Toronto, Ontario
You will be responsible for:
- Lead geotechnical engineering delivery for complex mining, tailings and dam projects, providing technical direction across the project lifecycle.
- Serve as a senior technical authority for tailings facilities, earth dams, water-retaining structures and associated mine infrastructure, providing practical solutions to complex geotechnical challenges.
- Plan and oversee geological and geotechnical investigation programs, including site reconnaissance, drilling, rock coring, advanced laboratory testing, interpretation and site characterization.
- Develop engineering solutions and tailings strategies that balance safety, technical performance, constructability, environmental considerations, project risk and commercial objectives.
- Lead geotechnical projects and technical workstreams, maintaining alignment with scope, schedule, budget, quality and customer expectations.
- Build trusted customer relationships through technical leadership, client meetings, workshops and industry-facing presentations, clearly communicating complex geotechnical risks and recommendations.
- Drive business development and strategic pursuits by identifying opportunities, supporting major bids and leading technical input for proposals, presentations, negotiations, schedules and engineering or capital cost estimates.
- Collaborate with geotechnical, geological, mining, environmental and multidisciplinary engineering professionals across Worley to deliver integrated solutions for complex mining and infrastructure challenges.
- Champion Worley’s commitment to zero harm by integrating health, safety and environmental considerations into technical decisions, field programs and project delivery.
- Mentor and develop junior and intermediate professionals while contributing to technical quality, knowledge sharing, practice development and the broader Geoscience strategy.
What you’ll bring to the role:
Required qualifications and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with APEGA and/or Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) or Ontario (PEO), as applicable.
- 15 or more years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, with substantial experience supporting mining and related infrastructure projects.
- Deep technical expertise in mine tailings facilities, mining geotechnics, mine infrastructure, earth dams and water-retaining structures, including slope and dam stability, seepage, seismic response, liquefaction assessment and geotechnical risk.
- Demonstrated capability to lead and supervise geotechnical engineering across the project lifecycle, from field investigation and interpretation through design, construction support and technical reporting.
- Proven success in business development and winning work, including major pursuits, proposal development, bid support and engineering or capital cost estimates.
- Strong project leadership capabilities, with the ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, resources, technical quality and project risk.
- Established success building customer relationships and communicating complex technical information clearly and professionally.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, supported by effective organizational and time management capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary and geographically distributed teams.
Preferred assets
- Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline.
- Experience serving as a lead on major mining, tailings, dam or multidisciplinary engineering projects.
- Experience supporting international mining or tailings projects across multiple regulatory and geographic environments.
- Working knowledge of industry-standard project planning and cost management systems and ISO 9001-aligned quality management systems.
Compensation
For applicants based in the province of British Columbia, the salary range is $156,456 to $230,083.
Application of the pay band: Variation in salary is determined by factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, relevant years of experience, geographic location, internal pay equity, and prevailing market conditions for the specific role.
Apply today
Bring your expertise in tailings, dams and mining geotechnics to a role where you can influence complex projects, build trusted customer relationships and help develop the next generation of technical talent.
Join Worley Consulting and help deliver practical, high-quality solutions that strengthen the safety, resilience and long-term performance of critical mining and water-retaining infrastructure.
About Us
Worley is a global company of energy, chemicals and resources experts headquartered in Australia. We partner with our customers to deliver projects and create value across the life of their assets. We specialize in consulting, engineering, procurement and construction across the project lifecycle, with services extending through to operations and decommissioning. Leveraging extensive experience and AI-enabled delivery, we support customers in navigating complexity as they meet today’s needs and transition to more sustainable solutions. Join us and help drive innovation and sustainability in our projects.
Moving forward together
We want our people to be energized and empowered to drive sustainable impact. So, our focus is on a values-inspired culture that unlocks brilliance through belonging, connection and innovation. We’re building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. Creating a space where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, and are heard.
And we’re not just talking about it; we’re doing it. We’re reskilling our people, leveraging transferable skills, and supporting the transition of our workforce to become experts in today’s low carbon energy infrastructure and technology. Whatever your ambition, there’s a path for you here. And there’s no barrier to your potential career success. Join us to broaden your horizons, explore diverse opportunities, and be part of delivering sustainable change.
#LI-NM4
Principal Geotechnical Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsPrincipal Geotechnical Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Atlas Technical Consultants17
- ECS Limited15
- SOCOTEC4
- Kleinfelder3
- Worley2
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
- Science & Research
- Government & Public Sector
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal geotechnical engineer jobs.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required, with multistate endorsements preferred
- Bachelor's or master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering from an accredited program
- 10 or more years of geotechnical engineering experience with demonstrated project leadership
- Proficiency in slope stability and foundation analysis software such as SLOPE/W, PLAXIS, or LPILE
- Experience preparing and reviewing geotechnical reports, boring logs, and laboratory test programs
- Familiarity with AASHTO, ASTM, and applicable state DOT geotechnical design standards
Tips for Your Principal Geotechnical Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to project scale
Principal-level hiring managers want to see the size and complexity of projects you've led, not just tasks you've performed. Quantify embankment heights, retaining wall depths, or site acreage. Generic descriptions of geotechnical duties won't distinguish you at this seniority level.
List your PE license and state endorsements clearly
Many principal geotechnical engineer postings require an active Professional Engineer license in the state where the work is based. Put your PE license number, issuing state, and any additional state endorsements near the top of your resume so reviewers don't have to hunt for them.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists principal geotechnical engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by project type, not just title
A principal geotechnical engineer role at a transportation agency focuses on roadway cuts and fills, while one at a mining firm centers on tailings facilities. Search by project type alongside title to find openings where your specific technical background is a direct fit, not a stretch.
Prepare a technical portfolio of your site investigations
Bring two or three anonymized boring logs, lab test summaries, or slope stability analyses you led to your interview. Interviewers at this level want evidence of your independent judgment on complex subsurface conditions, not just a description of your methodology.
Negotiate scope of authority, not just compensation
At the principal level, your ability to sign and seal reports, approve proposals, and direct junior staff matters as much as pay. Before accepting an offer, clarify which decisions require partner sign-off and which are yours to make independently.
Principal Geotechnical Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most principal geotechnical engineers?
Atlas Technical Consultants, ECS Limited, and SOCOTEC are hiring the most principal geotechnical engineers right now, with openings concentrated in California, Virginia, and Colorado, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Infrastructure and transportation projects are driving the bulk of current demand across those markets.
How many principal geotechnical engineer jobs are remote?
About 56% of principal geotechnical engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the site-dependent nature of geotechnical work. Report writing, peer review, and design oversight roles tend to offer the most schedule flexibility, while site investigation and construction observation assignments remain largely field-based.
How do you become a principal geotechnical engineer?
Start with a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, then accumulate field and design experience across foundation systems, slope stability, and site characterization. Earn your PE license as early as your state allows. Progress through staff and senior roles by leading increasingly complex projects independently, then step into principal-level responsibility by mentoring junior engineers and managing client relationships alongside technical delivery.
Can you get hired as a principal geotechnical engineer without direct principal-level experience?
Yes, if you've led complex geotechnical projects end to end and hold a PE license, some firms will hire you into a principal title even without prior principal-level employment. Your ability to demonstrate independent technical judgment on difficult subsurface problems, manage project budgets, and develop client relationships carries more weight than a previous job title at a comparable seniority level.
What does the principal geotechnical engineer interview process look like?
Most firms begin with a phone screen focused on your PE licensure status and project experience, followed by a technical interview where you walk through a past complex project in detail. A presentation or take-home case study involving slope stability or foundation design is common at senior firms. Final rounds typically include meetings with partners or practice leaders to assess your fit for client-facing and mentorship responsibilities.
Where can I find and apply to principal geotechnical engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to principal geotechnical engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and technical specialization, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 58 Principal Geotechnical Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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