Associate Principal – Geotechnical/Geostructural Engineering (Waltham, MA)

Description

The Associate Principal role leads geotechnical and geostructural engineering services, overseeing investigation, repair, rehabilitation, and new construction projects. The position combines technical leadership, client service, and people management to expand SGH’s capabilities in this domain.

• Serve as primary technical and project leader for complex geotechnical and geostructural assignments.
• Provide high-level oversight and direction for large or multiple concurrent projects, managing scope, schedule, budget, contracting, and fee collection.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering and technical staff to improve performance.
• Act as principal client contact, building long‑term relationships and ensuring exceptional service.
• Ensure adherence to SGH’s QA/QC standards and protect the firm’s technical reputation.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary SGH teams to deliver integrated solutions for technically challenging projects.
• Independently generate and sustain external work through business development, marketing, and client engagement.
• Contribute to professional visibility via publications, presentations, teaching, committees, or society involvement.
• Maintain strategic awareness of emerging technologies, research, and industry developments relevant to geotechnical and geostructural engineering.

Requirements

• 15+ years of geotechnical/geostructural engineering experience at senior/leadership level.
• MS or PhD in Geotechnical or Geostructural Engineering.
• Professional Engineering license (PE).
• Proven track record of independently generating and sustaining significant client work.
• Strong leadership and mentoring experience with demonstrated staff development success.
• Ability to manage monthly volume of $100k or annual volume of $500k and multiple staff.
• Active involvement in academia or professional organizations (AASHTO, ASCE GeoInstitute, Deep Foundations Institute, etc.) with committee work, presentations, or publications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to present complex technical subjects.
• Business acumen and sound judgment in managing projects and client relationships.
• Familiarity with geotechnical analysis software (GEOSLOPE Suite, Slide, Plaxis, LPILEplus, DeepEX, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and collaborative approach.
• Willingness to travel to out‑of‑state or remote project sites.

Benefits

The total compensation package includes a base salary of $197,600–$218,400, discretionary bonus potential, profit sharing, 401(k) contributions, extensive benefits, and support for professional growth. SGH is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) with discretionary company contribution.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability (company paid).
• Basic life and AD&D insurance (company paid) with optional additional life insurance.
• Healthcare and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts.
• Fertility, family forming, and hormonal health benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Pre‑tax commuter benefit.
• AFLAC accident & cancer insurance.
• Legal and identity‑theft protection plans.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Base salary range $197,600–$218,400 plus discretionary bonus, profit sharing, and comprehensive benefits.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance