Project Geotechnical Lead
Join a team that has partnered with clients for over 100 years to improve quality of life around the world. When it comes to hydropower, dams, locks and navigation projects, we design with the next generation in mind. We combine the strength of a $8B+ company with the agility of a specialized dams group, to deliver iconic and cutting-edge projects worldwide. This proud legacy has fostered a culture of innovation and safety, empowering our team to deliver the world’s most impactful dam and water infrastructure projects—critical to both local and global communities.
Your Opportunity
We are seeking a Geotechnical Engineer with proven experience in the evaluation and design of both small and large dams to join our Energy group in Irvine or San Diego, CA. This is a technical leadership role for someone passionate about working with multi-disciplinary teams on some of the most challenging projects in dam and hydropower engineering and rehabilitation.
The successful candidate will lead geotechnical and civil design tasks and coordinate with a team of geologists, engineers, designers, and subject matter experts across Stantec’s global network. Typical projects include design and construction of new embankment or concrete dams, major rehabilitation of existing dams, spillway and outlet works upgrades, and related appurtenant structures.
If you are motivated to design critical dam infrastructure that protects communities and supports future generations, we invite you to join our team.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Lead geotechnical and civil design for embankment and concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, and appurtenant structures.
- Manage project teams (1–10 staff) through all phases of design, from site investigation to final deliverables, while fostering the growth and technical development of junior staff.
- Conduct and oversee design calculations and technical analyses, including seepage modeling, slope stability, deformation, and foundation evaluations, using SEEP/W, SLOPE/W, FLAC, PLAXIS, Phase2, etc.
- Develop design drawings and technical specifications for various levels of design (e.g., 30%, 60%, 90%, 100% design).
- Prepare and lead development of technical reports including Geotechnical Work Plans, Geotechnical Data Reports (GDRs), Geotechnical Baseline Reports (GBRs), technical memoranda, computation packages, feasibility studies, field reports, and other design and evaluation reports.
- Participate in FERC Part 12D reviews, Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA) workshops, and Risk Informed Decision Making (RIDM) based assessments.
- Develop familiarity with regulatory agency requirements, technical design standards, and industry standards and guidelines.
- Interface with regulatory agencies (e.g., FERC, DSOD, USACE) to support permitting and compliance.
- Support feasibility studies by identifying challenges and developing technically sound solutions.
- Provide technical input on proposals, cost estimates, and construction planning.
- Travel to project sites domestically and internationally, as needed, for investigation and reviews.
- Contribute to internal initiatives focused on knowledge sharing, innovation, and quality management.
- Support business development through client engagement, pursuits, and identification of talent.
- Adhere to company safety protocols and lead by example in planning and executing work in a safe and responsible manner.
- Stay current with evolving dam safety regulations, design tools, and risk assessment methodologies through professional engagement and ongoing training.
Your Capabilities and Credentials
- Demonstrated leadership on large dam projects.
- Working knowledge of the principles of civil/geotechnical engineering.
- Proficient in geotechnical software such as GeoStudio (SEEP/W, SLOPE/W), FLAC, PLAXIS, and Phase2.
- Maintain working knowledge of regulatory frameworks and design standards from DSOD, USACE, USBR, and FERC.
- Willingness to travel to project sites, both nationally and internationally.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Education and Experience
- 10 to 15 years of professional experience in geotechnical engineering.
- Minimum of 3 years dedicated to dam engineering (e.g., investigation, evaluation, design, construction).
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited university (required); Master’s degree preferred.
- PE license (required); California PE preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year of employment.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best. #FeelingEnergized