Geotechnical Lead

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
Primary Responsibilities

HDR is currently in need of a Senior Geotechnical Engineering Lead for Its Dam and Civil Works program supporting S. California. This Geologic/Geotechnical Lead will fill a strategic role responsible for leading and managing complex Geotechnical/Geologic Engineering analysis and design of water management structures within HDR’s growing dam, levee, and civil works program. The successful candidate will have a background in geotechnical engineering, foundation engineering, embankment design, materials engineering, and earthquake engineering. Experience with dam safety/levee safety considerations is a plus.

Geotechnical design typically focuses on embankments, foundations, abutments, and ancillary structures including 1D, 2D, and 3D methods of analysis typically used by FERC, FEMA, USBR, and USACE for dam and levee analysis. A track record in working with multi-discipline coordination including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and hydraulic engineering is a plus. As the Geotechnical/Geologic Lead, the individual will also provide project management and mentoring to their hand-picked team of supporting engineers and analysts.

Geotechnical/Geologic design analysis and technical project execution responsibilities will include project design development including project planning, scheduling, planning studies and evaluations, and preparation of final design analysis. Projects may include various aspects of dam, spillway, outlet works, storm water management systems, and other critical structures subject to hydraulic and earthquake forces. Position will support project delivery activities through delivery of high-quality services and technological development. Previous experience or familiarity with RIDM, PFMA, State Dam Safety, FEMA, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers and/or FERC regulated projects and standards is a plus.
Additional Positive Qualifications
• Master of Science or higher in Engineering (Geotechnical/Geologic engineering)/or equivalent level of experience
• Willingness to obtain California PE registration (Multiple state/province registrations will be encouraged).
• 15+ years of progressive experience in advanced engineering projects involving water management, structural, geotechnical, and hydraulic disciplines.
• Proficient knowledge of dam safety engineering and risk assessment tools and techniques.
• Experience with geotechnical engineering software and static and dynamic analyses for concrete dams, embankments, and hydraulic structures including GeoStudio and FLAC related products.
Required Qualifications
• 10 years of experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, GIS, and CADD, as appropriate
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage, and deep foundation response software, as appropriate
• Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
• Knowledge of advanced numerical modeling techniques such as Finite Difference, Finite Element, Discrete Element, etc. and commercial software for advanced numerical modeling (Bentley, PLAXIS, Itasca FLAC)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Primary Location
Other Locations
Industry

Water
Schedule

Full-time
Employee Status

Regular
Business Class

Dams Levees Civil Works
Job Posting

Jul 23, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We're always looking for great talent to join our global teams.

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