Geotechnical Designer/EIT

About the role

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 part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably—from designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports, and marine infrastructure. Your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities, and quality of life.

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental specialists, strategic communications, economists, management consultants, and experts across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. This role offers the opportunity to participate on high-profile infrastructure projects in the Southeast and across the United States, with travel required for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical analysis and design for infrastructure projects, including roadways, retaining walls, bridges, buildings, dams, soils and rock slopes, asphalt and concrete pavements.
• Review boring logs, laboratory data, and design plans for geotechnical tasks such as slope stability, driven piles, drilled shafts, and seismic considerations (e.g., liquefaction potential, slope instability mitigation, ground improvement).
• Prepare drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports, and coordinate with project managers to meet project goals.
• Conduct analyses to develop design options or recommendations, and assist in preparing cost estimates, plans, and specifications.
• Oversee geotechnical subsurface characterization programs, including setting up field exploration programs and coordinating with subcontractors (up to 40% travel expected).
• Perform routine engineering assignments requiring application of standard techniques and procedures, including slope stability and settlement analysis on routine and moderately sized projects.
• Work independently or in a team environment, assisting senior geotechnical staff while exercising judgment in evaluation, selection, and modification of standard engineering techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Experience with MS Office and software applications.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate (candidates without EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator role and expected to obtain certification for career progression).
• Experience with CAD software (MicroStation preferred).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Local candidates preferred.

Benefits

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. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) foster a sense of belonging and provide a supportive environment for engagement and contribution.

Location

United States-South Carolina-Columbia (full-time, regular position).