Senior Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager in Nashville, Tennessee at Athena Engineering and Environmental LLC

Senior Geotechnical Engineer, P.E. Project Manager
Technical Leadership Opportunity

COMPANY OVERVIEW
Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC (Athena), headquartered just outside vibrant Nashville, Tennessee, is a growing woman-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm delivering innovative solutions nationwide. Our multidisciplinary expertise includes geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, ecological services, water resources, land surveying, and Value Engineering.

We proudly serve federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as transportation, energy, industrial, water, and commercial clients. By combining technical excellence with innovation and collaboration, we help our clients solve complex infrastructure challenges and deliver projects that create lasting value.

From major transportation corridors and energy developments to dams, levees, bridges, airfields, and critical public infrastructure, Athena's geotechnical professionals provide the expertise needed to support safe, resilient, and sustainable communities.

LOCATION and TRAVEL
Location: Goodlettsville (Nashville), Tennessee preferred. Hybrid work opportunities may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Travel: Approximately 10–20% domestic travel is expected for project site visits, subsurface investigations, construction support, client meetings, and technical reviews.

JOB OVERVIEW
Athena is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager to provide technical leadership and project management support for complex geotechnical engineering projects throughout the United States.

This position is ideal for a senior-level engineer who enjoys combining technical expertise with project leadership. The successful candidate will oversee geotechnical investigations, manage project delivery, develop client relationships, mentor engineers and geologists, and support the continued growth of Athena's geotechnical practice.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, working directly with clients, and helping develop the next generation of engineering professionals.

PURPOSE
The Senior Geotechnical Engineer Project Manager is responsible for leading the successful delivery of geotechnical engineering projects while ensuring technical excellence, quality, safety, budget performance, and client satisfaction.

This role combines advanced geotechnical engineering expertise with project management responsibilities, including proposal development, project planning, staff coordination, client communication, technical review, and mentoring. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted technical advisor and project leader while contributing to Athena's continued growth and reputation for excellence.

MAJOR TASKS
Technical Leadership & Project Management
1. Provide technical leadership for geotechnical investigations, engineering analyses, and design recommendations for routine and complex infrastructure projects.
2. Plan, coordinate, and oversee subsurface exploration programs, laboratory testing, field investigations, and construction observation activities.
3. Perform geotechnical analyses for shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, embankments, dams, levees, roadways, bridges, airfields, slopes, and other civil infrastructure projects.
4. Review geotechnical analyses, calculations, and technical deliverables prepared by project engineers and staff.
5. Prepare and review geotechnical engineering reports, technical memoranda, specifications, proposals, and cost estimates.
6. Manage geotechnical and multidisciplinary projects, including scope, schedule, budget, staffing, quality control, and client communication.
7. Support construction-phase services, including review of field conditions, contractor submittals, testing results, and project documentation.
8. Serve as Engineer of Record, when applicable, while ensuring compliance with applicable engineering standards, regulations, and project requirements.
9. Mentor and train project engineers, staff engineers, geologists, and field personnel through technical guidance and professional development.
10. Collaborate with Athena's environmental, ecological, water resources, surveying, and engineering teams on multidisciplinary projects.
11. Support business development activities through proposal preparation, client engagement, project pursuits, and development of long-term client relationships.
12. Maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement across all project activities.

SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
1. Lead technical execution and project management activities for assigned geotechnical engineering projects.
2. Provide engineering direction and oversight to project teams while maintaining Athena's quality standards.
3. Coordinate directly with clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.
4. Recommend project approaches, staffing needs, technical solutions, and resource allocations to support successful project delivery.
5. Exercise independent professional judgment consistent with Professional Engineer licensure and Athena's engineering standards.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate combines advanced technical expertise with project management experience, leadership ability, and a passion for delivering high-quality engineering solutions.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited university.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex geotechnical engineering projects.
• Strong technical understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, retaining structures, slope stability, embankments, and earthwork.
• Proven ability to mentor technical staff and lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage client relationships and project deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience supporting transportation, federal, military, dam safety, energy, or major infrastructure projects.
• Experience working with clients such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Departments of Transportation (DOTs), municipalities, or other public-sector agencies.
• OSHA 10-hour safety training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Slope/W, Seep/W, OpenGround, gINT, LPILE, GeoStudio, and related geotechnical software.
• Experience with proposal development, client development, and business growth initiatives.

WHY JOIN ATHENA?
Lead Projects. Solve Complex Challenges. Build Your Legacy.
This is more than a senior engineering position.

This is an opportunity to become a key technical leader within a growing consulting firm where your expertise directly influences major infrastructure projects and helps shape the future of Athena's geotechnical practice.

At Athena, you'll have the opportunity to:
• Lead Meaningful Projects – Support transportation, water resources, energy, and infrastructure projects that strengthen communities nationwide.
• Solve Complex Engineering Challenges – Apply your expertise to challenging geotechnical conditions involving foundations, slopes, embankments, dams, levees, bridges, and critical infrastructure.
• Manage Projects and Relationships – Take ownership of project delivery while building trusted partnerships with clients.
• Mentor Future Engineers – Guide and develop the next generation of engineers and geologists through hands-on leadership and technical mentorship.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines – Work alongside experts in environmental, ecological, surveying, water resources, and Value Engineering.
• Grow Professionally – Expand your leadership responsibilities through challenging projects, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.
• Join a Collaborative Culture – Be part of a team built on integrity, accountability, innovation, and teamwork.
• Build Your Future with Athena – Join a growing firm that values technical excellence, employee development, and long-term client relationships.

BENEFITS
• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Continuing education and licensure support
• Retirement plan

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Ready to help clients maximize value while shaping the future of infrastructure?
Join Athena Engineering and Environmental and become part of a growing team that's committed to technical excellence, innovation, and making a lasting impact. We look forward to learning how your expertise can help drive our continued success.

Apply here or submit your resume via careers@athenaee.com