Principal Geotechnical Engineer (Dams and Levees)

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Cook up 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.