Job Description

Senior Project Manager - Geotechnical Engineering

Chicago, IL | Hybrid (3 Days On‑Site)

About the Company

Our client is a leading employee‑owned civil and environmental engineering firm experiencing consistent, sustainable growth - 12% over the past five years - and now home to more than 1,700 employee‑owners nationwide. The company is widely recognized for its transparent leadership, collaborative culture, and commitment to employee development, having promoted 20% of its workforce last year alone.This opening is part of a planned leadership succession, and the firm is seeking a Senior Project Manager within its Geotechnical Engineering group.

Position Overview

As a Senior Project Manager in the Geotechnical Engineering group, you will lead a diverse range of geotechnical and subsurface investigation projects across sectors including energy generation and transmission, manufacturing, commercial real estate, transportation, recycling, and waste management.You will manage multidisciplinary teams, oversee project execution, and serve as a primary client contact. In addition, you'll collaborate closely with the current Practice Lead to gain strategic, operational, and business‑development exposure, positioning yourself for a future leadership transition.The firm's hybrid model (3 days in office) supports collaboration, mentoring, and team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Geotechnical & Subsurface Investigation

• Coordinate and monitor subsurface drilling investigations
• Review and validate boring logs
• Develop laboratory testing programs
• Interpret lab results and perform geotechnical analyses
• Prepare high‑quality technical reports and recommendations

Construction‑Phase Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor field engineers and technicians
• Review field reports and test results
• Confirm compliance with design drawings and project specifications
• Meet with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders to ensure alignment

Project & Client Management

• Manage both large and small projects locally and nationwide
• Develop scopes, budgets, schedules, and deliverables
• Lead project teams across engineering disciplines
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term client relationships
• Support proposal development and business‑development initiatives

Leadership & Succession Path

• Partner closely with the current Practice Lead on group operations
• Participate in workload planning, team growth, and strategic initiatives
• Prepare to take on increasing responsibility as part of an established succession pathway

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of geotechnical engineering experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a focus in Geotechnical Engineering
• Strong communication and client‑facing skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑disciplinary engineering projects

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Employee‑Ownership & Financial Benefits

• 2% profit sharing annually
• Opportunity to purchase company stock
• Transparent and engaged senior leadership
• Culture where every employee has a voice and shared stake in the firm's success

Career Growth & Succession

• Clearly defined advancement pathways
• 20% of the workforce promoted last year
• Structured leadership development tailored to the future Practice Lead role

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office
• Chicago office known for a welcoming, family‑like culture
• Leadership ensures new hires feel integrated and supported
• Frequent team activities and engagement initiatives

Benefits Package

• Comprehensive health coverage through Cigna, with multiple plan options
• 14 vacation days + 23 paid holidays
• Robust retirement plans, including 401(k) match
• Tuition assistance and professional development programs
• Work‑life balance and employee‑oriented culture

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience and location, with comprehensive benefits, profit sharing, stock ownership options, and bonus opportunities.