Senior Engineering Manager 1 GAI Consultants Inc. life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) United States, Virginia, Glen Allen Sep 28, 2026

Description GAI Consultants is looking for a Senior Engineering Manager 1 for Geotechnical Engineering in the Richmond, VA Area. Your responsibilities in this position will include leading managing geotechnical projects and staff within the Power Generation Group and for clients serviced by GAI as well as business development initiatives. The successful candidate will be eligible for a sign-on bonus.

Essential Duties:

Lead and manage projects primarily for Geotechnical Market

Technically lead engineering tasks in the area of expertise

Manage staff

Function as a seller/doer

Identify, chase, and successfully win new business opportunities

Business Development Responsibilities:

Up to 25% of job duties will be dedicated to Business Development

May serve as client contact for projects managed with support from PM Coach.

Actively wins new work from both new and existing clients by building and maintaining customer relationships, monitoring future work opportunities, communicating regularly, and attending client events.

Works closely with their PM Coach and/or more experienced PMs to coordinate and develop the proposed scope, schedule, and fee for the entire project.

Supports senior management in contract negotiations with clients.

Experience Required:

16 years: Geotechnical Engineering/Engineering Sales experience

Demonstrated track record of external customer engagements and building and maintaining successful client relationships

Demonstrated working knowledge of fundamental project management skills and concepts such as: developing pricing, cost budget monitoring, calculating profit, etc.,

Willingness to learn GAI-specific project management procedures and requirements

Motivated, focused, and hard-working

Solid communication and technical writing skills General Characteristics Uses creativity, foresight, and mature judgment to anticipate and solve new problems.

Practice activities and culture. Sets priorities and reconciles directions from competing interests.

Leads projects with complex features with work performed directly, or by others.

Integrates engineering economics and risk analysis into the solutions of complex engineering problems.

Integrates solutions to complex problems across specialty areas. Demonstrates leadership Minimum Years of Experience 16+ Years Education B.S. or M.S. Engineering, Master's Degree or Equivalent Experience Preferred Certification/Licensure Professional Engineer (P.E.) License, reciprocity in multiple states. Technical Responsibilities Frequently develops standards and guidelines.

Leads a project in the practice in their area of specialization. Frequently develops appropriate design alternatives for complex engineering projects that consider realistic requirements, constraints, community input, permitting, and other regulatory constraints.

Integrates advanced concepts, including sustainability, to solve complex problems. Project and Task Management Frequently oversees technical, legal, and financial issues of an entire project.

Recommends facilities, personnel, and funds required to carry out projects.

Integrates these components into a complete project management plan for a complex engineering project.

Implements effective teamwork and leadership principles into solutions for engineering problems. Determines project objectives and requirements.

May serve as the Project Manager for certain projects with prior approval from GAI's President up to $150,000 per year. Management Responsibility Supervises a major practice segment or several teams.

Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.

Implements staff development plans within their practice segment, including technical, management, and leadership skills.

Evaluates the effectiveness of leaders and teams. Communication Skills Possesses exceptional oral and written communication skills, including negotiation of critical issues.

Integrates different forms of effective and persuasive communication to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Demonstrates financial acumen and familiarity with legal issues related to engineering practice.

Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key engineers and officials.

Physical Requirements Lifting/maneuvering requirements:

• Up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to outdoor elements: approximately 25% of the day
• Walking long distances outdoors on uneven terrain: approximately 25% of the day
• Operating mid-size or full-size trucks offroad in various weather conditions: approximately 25% of the day
• Climbing, walking, bending, navigating construction landscapes: approximately 25% of the day

Office environment: 75 % Why GAI? GAI offers an exceptional place to do meaningful work, grow your career, and make a real impact in communities nationwide. You'll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm bringing together engineering, planning, and environmental expertise to deliver projects across transportation, infrastructure, power, and energy markets. Working alongside accomplished colleagues, you'll help move projects from vision through construction, creating solutions that keep people moving, power essential systems, and support responsible development. At GAI, you'll work in a team-driven environment grounded in integrity, respect, and shared success, with the flexibility, resources, and career support that reflect a real and lasting commitment to our people. That commitment includes comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts. With opportunities across the

U.S., GAI

offers the collaboration and client focus of regional teams, supported by the stability, resources, and career-development opportunities of an established and growing firm. Benefits To Working at

GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition Market based, competitive compensation

Performance driven recognition and development bonuses Comprehensive Health & Wellness Medical, dental, and vision plans

Company-paid short-term and long-term disability

Company-paid life insurance

Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources Meaningful Work-Life Balance Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays

An additional floating holiday-use it for what matters to you

Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave Growth, Learning & Financial Security 401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Support and rewards for professional development and certifications #GAI Qualifications

Education

Bachelors of Engineering (required)

Experience

Demonstrated success in: Building and maintaining client relationships; Identifying, pursuing, and winning new business; Developing project scopes, schedules, fees, pricing, and cost budgets; Monitoring project costs and calculating profitability; Supporting contract negotiations; Managing the technical, legal, and financial aspects of projects. (required)

16 years: Geotechnical engineering and/or engineering sales experience. (required)

Licenses & Certifications

Driver's License (required)

Professional Engineer (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.