Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Water Infrastructure

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AECOM is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Water Infrastructure  to serve as a strategic technical leader and client-facing business development driver in Sacramento—at the center of California’s most critical water infrastructure initiatives. This role is designed for a proven seller-doer who not only delivers complex geotechnical solutions but actively cultivates client relationships, leads pursuit strategies, and helps secure marquee projects such as Sites Reservoir, Delta Conveyance Project, and the California Aqueduct Subsidence Program.

This is a high-visibility opportunity to influence California’s water future while expanding AECOM’s geotechnical presence across state, federal, and local agencies.

What We’re Really Looking For

• Engineers who enjoy being in front of clients as much as in front of technical reports.
• Confident presenters who can translate technical depth into compelling client value.
• Strategic thinkers who help shape pursuits rather than waiting for RFPs.
• Growth-oriented leaders ready to expand market share in one of the nation’s most important infrastructure regions.
• Professionals who see opportunity before it is advertised.
• Leaders comfortable carrying a revenue target.
• Technical experts who can translate engineering complexity into strategic client value.
• Individuals motivated by influence, visibility, and market ownership.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Client Development & Market Growth

• Proactively develop and strengthen executive-level relationships with existing and prospective clients across California’s water sector.
• Identify upcoming opportunities early in the project lifecycle and position AECOM for sole-source, shortlist, and competitive pursuits.
• Lead and support proposal strategy, interview preparation, and client presentations—serving as a technical authority and trusted advisor.
• Partner with regional and national leadership to expand AECOM’s geotechnical footprint in dam, levee, tunnel, and conveyance markets.
• Represent AECOM at industry forums, technical conferences, and client workshops to elevate brand visibility and thought leadership.

Pursuit & Proposal Leadership

• Serve as technical lead or capture support for major pursuits, including defining win themes, differentiators, and value propositions.
• Contribute to Go/No-Go decisions and strategic positioning for high-value infrastructure programs.
• Lead technical approach development, scope definition, and fee strategy for complex proposals.
• Participate in shortlist interviews and executive presentations, articulating innovative geotechnical solutions that align with client priorities.

Technical Excellence & Delivery Leadership

• Provide senior-level geotechnical expertise for complex water infrastructure projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination on large-scale dam, tunnel, levee, and conveyance systems.
• Review, approve, and sign off on engineering deliverables.
• Guide risk management, budget forecasting, and schedule development for major programs.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers while strengthening departmental technical capabilities.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and 10+ years of relevant geotechnical experience or demonstrated equivalency.
• Active California PE license.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, including water/wastewater and conveyance infrastructure.
• Demonstrated success in client development and supporting or leading winning proposals.
• Experience presenting to public agencies and executive stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence project awards through relationship management and technical leadership.
• Active California GE license or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Project Management experience on complex public infrastructure programs.

• No relocation is offered for this position
• No sponsorship is offered for this role

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.