Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering or equivalent experience
10+ years in geotechnical engineering
Professional registration/licensure may be required
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Proficient in leadership and organizational capabilities
Commitment to HDR’s employee-owner culture
Responsibilities
Lead geotechnical design and risk reduction strategies for various projects
Conduct senior technical reviews of geotechnical reports and analyses
Integrate geotechnical considerations early in design stages
Implement subsurface risk management frameworks to lower exposure
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on geotechnical concerns
Develop technical standards and tools for geotechnical processes
Mentor geotechnical staff and foster a culture of excellence
Act as a trusted advisor for HDR and its diverse client base
Benefits
Inclusive and supportive company culture
Opportunities for professional growth and mentorship
Employee ownership in the company
Dynamic interdisciplinary work environment
Access to Employee Network Groups for diverse communities
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Geotechnical Section Leader to guide and grow our regional practice. This role provides strategic leadership in geotechnical engineering across linear and vertical projects, advancing technical excellence, improving risk management, and developing consistent standards and processes. The position requires strong technical capability in deep foundations, slope stability, earthwork evaluation, and foundation design, along with broad geotechnical leadership experience.
Key Responsibilitie
Geotechnical Leadership & Technical Excellence
Lead geotechnical design, analysis, and risk reduction strategies for transportation corridors, utility alignments, water systems, site development, and building structures.
Provide senior technical review of geotechnical reports, deep foundation recommendations, slope stability analyses, retaining structures, settlement evaluation, seismic/geohazard assessments, and complex ground improvement designs.
Ensure geotechnical considerations are integrated early in design to reduce cost, schedule, and constructability risks. Risk Management Across Linear & Vertical Projects.
Apply robust subsurface risk management frameworks to identify uncertainties and reduce exposure through targeted exploration, modeling, and engineering judgment.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure geotechnical risks are clearly understood and proactively addressed.
Review constructability of both linear and horizontal projects as well as those using alternative delivery as it relates to geotechnical design and risk management Build & Lead a Geotechnical Center of Excellence for Data Centers.
Develop technical standards, workflows, investigation protocols, decision matrices, and digital tools supporting mission critical programs.
Partner closely with BES leadership to deliver repeatable, scalable geotechnical solutions for hyperscale data center campuses.
People Leadership & Talent Development
Lead and mentor geotechnical staff across experience levels.
Cultivate a culture of excellence, quality, curiosity, and collaboration.
Client Engagement & Business Development
Serve as a trusted geotechnical advisor for HDR, public agencies, utilities, private developers, and mission critical clients.
Support key pursuits by presenting subsurface risk strategies, innovative geotechnical solutions, and strong project execution capabilities.
Preferred Qualification
Master's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering
#LI-MV3
QualificationsRequired Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
A minimum of 10 years experience
Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
Strong communication and listening skills
Ability to handle multiple assignments
Good leadership and organizational skills
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
About HDR
HDR is an architecture, engineering, and consulting firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. The company was founded in 1917 as Henningson Engineering Company and has since grown to become one of the largest engineering firms in the United States. HDR provides a wide range of services, including architecture, engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management. The company has worked on a number of high-profile projects, including the Hoover Dam Bypass and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. HDR is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area by organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council.
