Principal Engineer - Design Team Lead

Overview

The Role

The Principal Engineer - Design Team Lead is a player/coach role critical to Geo Stabilization International (GSI)'s ability to scale high-quality engineering output while developing the next generation of technical leaders.

You will be accountable for engineering excellence, talent development, and delivery discipline across a region and/or client sector. You will remain hands-on with complex, high-risk work while building a team that can consistently deliver innovative, constructible, and cost-effective solutions.

This role has clear runway into Director-level engineering leadership for individuals who demonstrate strong judgment, team-building capability, and sustained results.

Who We Are

GSI develops and installs innovative solutions that protect people and infrastructure from the dangers of geohazards. We specialize in emergency landslide repairs, rockfall mitigation, ground anchors, earth retention, deep foundations, and grouting - delivered through cutting-edge design/build and design/build/warranty contracting.

GSI is the leading geohazard mitigation and bridge rehabilitation firm operating throughout the United States, Canada, and Australasia. Our proprietary tools, technical depth, and global partnerships allow us to solve slope stability and foundation challenges in virtually any geologic setting.

Our Culture

GSI operates with urgency, discipline, and extreme ownership. We are fast-paced but team-oriented, innovative yet grounded in data, and relentlessly client-focused. Our best leaders make sound decisions under pressure, act with courage, and remain resilient when conditions are uncertain or constrained.

This role is for engineers who take pride in craftsmanship, accountability, and developing others - leaders who raise the bar for both technical excellence and team performance.

Benefits

* Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled

* Mental health benefits

* 401(k) plan to help save for your future including company match

* In addition to 7 observed holidays, salaried team members have flexible paid time off

* Paid parental leave

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Engineering Excellence (40%)

* Serve as technical authority for moderately complex to highly complex geotechnical and geostructural projects.

* Act as Engineer of Record (EOR), owning design integrity, risk management, and constructability.

* Set and enforce high standards for design efficiency, elegance, and accuracy.

* Review and approve engineering deliverables; ensure schedules and quality commitments are met.

* Represent GSI as a senior technical expert in client meetings, negotiations, and external forums.

* Select, manage, and evaluate external consultants and subject-matter experts, including contract negotiation and invoice approval.

People Leadership & Talent Development (40%)

* Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing design team with depth today and leadership capacity for the future.

* Own hiring decisions for the design team - prioritizing intellectual horsepower, resilience, and growth trajectory.

* Balance workload across the team to optimize delivery, development, and utilization.

* Conduct regular 1-on-1s, mid-year, and annual performance reviews with clear expectations and feedback.

* Drive engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement across the team.

* Assign work intentionally based on business needs, individual strengths, and development goals.

Process Design & Cross-Functional Leadership (20%)

* Ensure on-time delivery of engineering and proposal deliverables.

* Serve as the voice of the Design Team in cross-functional initiatives, tools, and process improvements.

* Actively participate on the Estimating and Design Group Leadership Team.

* Improve interfaces between Design, Estimating, Operations, and Sales to reduce friction and increase win-rate and execution quality.

What Success Looks Like

* Consistently high-quality, constructible designs delivered on time.

* A bench of engineers who are growing in capability, judgment, and leadership.

* Improved design efficiency, reduced rework, and better risk outcomes.

* Strong trust and credibility with clients, project managers, and commercial leaders.

* Clear succession readiness for senior engineering leadership roles.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

* BS in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or equivalent.

* 10+ years of relevant professional experience.

* Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

* Demonstrated experience leading teams and delivering against performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

* MS in Civil or Geological Engineering with geotechnical or geostructural emphasis.

* 15+ years of experience across multiple facets of geotechnical design and construction.

* GE and/or SE licensure.

* Numerical modeling experience.

* Experience leading interdisciplinary engineering teams.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

* Deep expertise in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, and Geotechnical…