AECOM

Principal Geotechnical Engineer (Dams and Levees)

AECOM$120K — $150K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA/BS degree in Civil Engineering with 10+ years of relevant dam project experience or equivalent education and experience
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required
  • Valid Driver's License required
  • Master's degree or PhD in Civil Engineering preferred
  • California Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead senior-level technical support for dam and levee projects across all phases
  • Manage multidisciplinary project teams to ensure successful project execution
  • Conduct geotechnical design and analysis for dams, focusing on performance evaluations
  • Oversee field exploration and materials testing for soil and rock characterization
  • Mentor junior engineers and support their technical development

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead high-impact dam infrastructure projects
  • Engagement with a diverse, multidisciplinary team
  • Focus on professional development and mentoring
  • Exposure to complex engineering challenges
  • Active role in business development and client relationship management
Full Job Description
Job Description

The AECOM Southwest Dams Department in Orange, California is seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer with expertise in dams and levees to take on a leadership role within our geotechnical engineering practice.

This position provides the opportunity to lead and support major dam infrastructure projects, including dam safety evaluations, rehabilitation programs, and new dam design. The successful candidate will direct and support multidisciplinary teams working on various types of dams and related infrastructure such as spillways, outlet works, pump stations, and associated hydraulic structures.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in geotechnical engineering for dams, experience leading engineering teams, and the ability to collaborate with a wide range of technical disciplines. This role also includes mentoring staff and supporting business development efforts with existing and new clients across the region.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:
  • Provide senior-level technical leadership and support to project teams on dam and levee projects including planning, design, inspection, construction observation, and regulatory compliance activities.
  • Lead or support geotechnical design and analyses for dams, including slope stability, seepage, and seismic performance evaluations.
  • Manage large multidisciplinary project teams and contribute to the successful delivery of complex dam infrastructure projects.
  • Provide project management support or lead dam design and construction projects, including client coordination, contract management, planning, execution, and financial management, while serving in a Deputy Project Manager role on major projects.
  • Oversee field exploration programs and characterization of soil and rock materials, including laboratory testing programs.
  • Direct teams performing slope stability and seepage analyses and developing stabilization measures for dams, levees, spillways, and related infrastructure.
  • Coordinate with teams performing hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, structural engineering, and civil design associated with dam and spillway projects.
  • Support or lead dam construction oversight and field observation during rehabilitation or new construction activities.
  • Perform and review seismic stability and deformation analyses of dams, including evaluation of earthquake ground motions, liquefaction potential, and earthquake-induced deformations.
  • Oversee preparation of technical reports, independent dam safety inspections, and potential failure mode analyses (PFMA).
  • Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities, strengthening relationships with dam and levee owners, and contributing to proposal preparation.
  • Ensure quality and technical excellence of project deliverables through reviews and oversight.
  • Mentor and support the technical development of junior and mid-level engineers.
  • Perform Independent Technical Reviews (ITR) for dam-related projects.
  • Serve as a local technical expert within a specialty area of geotechnical engineering for dams.
  • Stay informed on industry developments, regulatory requirements, and best practices related to dam engineering and safety.
  • Interpret, organize, and coordinate complex engineering assignments, making independent decisions on technical challenges and representing the organization in meetings and conferences with clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Apply advanced engineering knowledge and experience to resolve complex technical challenges and unique project conditions.


Qualifications

Minimum Requirements
  • BA/BS degree in Civil Engineering and 10+ years of relevant experience with dam projects including inspection, rehabilitation, and/or design and construction, or demonstrated equivalency of education and experience
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or PhD in Civil Engineering
  • Established client relationships with dam and levee owners in California
  • California Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license
  • 20+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering related to dams and levees
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Strong commitment to safe project execution and dam safety practices
  • Willingness to travel locally as required for project support
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Government security clearance or ability to obtain clearance


Additional Information
  • Relocation is not offered for this role
  • Sponsorship is not offered for this position now, or in the tuture.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 150 countries and had revenue of $8.0 billion during the 12 months ended March 31, 2014.

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Learn more about AECOM
Size
51,000 employees
Market Cap
$11.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$200.8 million
Founded
1990
5 Year Trend
-6.3%
Revenue
$13.3 billion
NASDAQ

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