Senior Geotechnical Engineer

About the role

AES is the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries. Ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, AES provides electricity for millions worldwide. The company has earned prominent positions in Great Place to Work™ rankings and was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, recognizing global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.

The Senior Geotechnical Engineer provides technical expertise in all phases of renewable energy project development, from initial stages through construction and operations. This role supports delivery of foundation solutions for wind, photovoltaic (PV), and grid-scale battery storage facilities ranging from less than 5 MW to over 1,000 MW. The position requires adaptability and time management to handle multiple geotechnical requests of varying complexity while upholding standards for safety, technical quality, and professional integrity. Candidates should have a deep understanding of geotechnical engineering principles, soil mechanics, and foundation design methodologies, with significant experience in foundation, earthwork, roadway, and slope stability design and review for large renewable energy projects. AES is open to hiring candidates outside listed locations; those near an office may have potential hybrid arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Project Development and Risk Assessment
  • Identify geotechnical risks during early project development and provide recommendations on design and cost estimation.
  • Conduct preliminary site hazard assessments for developments in the planning phase.
  • Prepare initial cost estimates for geotechnical investigations and recommend consultants for request for proposal processes; address requests for information during construction.
  • Collaborate with consultants to define scopes of work for project-specific geotechnical investigations.
  • Finalize investigation scope, cost, and schedule prior to contract award.
  • Review geotechnical reports for technical accuracy and compliance with project requirements.
  • Assess laboratory and field data relevant to foundation design and construction.
  • Advise on design parameters including foundation embedment, earthworks, and geohazard considerations.
  • Support mergers and acquisitions due diligence concerning potential asset acquisitions.
• Project Execution
  • Work with AES staff and consultants to develop and review design packages (30%, 60%, 90%, 100%, IFP, and IFC civil, structural, and electrical).
  • Document any deviations from project geotechnical recommendations.
  • Evaluate design solutions for turbines, solar trackers, energy storage, and related infrastructure.
  • Adjust contract specifications as needed to support EPC contract negotiations.
• Project Construction and Quality Assurance
  • Assist project management and engineering with troubleshooting or alternative remediation plans.
  • Conduct site visits and field inspections for foundation, earthwork, and ground stability assessments during construction and operations.
  • Carry out safety assessments and site walks to identify workplace hazards.
• Asset Management and Operational Support
  • Partner with Operations and Maintenance and Asset Management teams on operational troubleshooting and remediation plans.
  • Develop solutions for system modifications and resolve geotechnical issues among subcontractors and vendors.
  • Perform root cause analyses for geotechnical-related failures.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
  • Serve as a technical resource on geotechnical topics.
  • Participate in internal and external meetings.
  • Evaluate geotechnical consultants for Master Service Agreement consideration.
• Organization Maturity and Innovation
  • Mentor staff on new technologies, construction practices, and safety protocols.
  • Engage in process improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain awareness of industry standards and emerging geotechnical technologies.
  • Support innovation with reviews related to structural design.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering.
  • At least 6 years’ progressive experience in geotechnical engineering design, analysis, and construction support.
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience with PV solar, wind, battery energy storage, and high-voltage facility design.
  • Field experience on large-scale civil/geotechnical projects, including geotechnical QA/QC and construction oversight.
• Technical Competencies
  • Advanced knowledge of geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, foundation design, geological conditions, subsurface risks, and site characterization methods.
  • Proficiency with geotechnical software and tools (LPILE, MFAD, Slope/W, etc.).
  • Experience with SPT, CPT, pile load testing, and geophysical methods (MASW, seismic refraction, electrical resistivity imaging).
  • Knowledge of relevant codes and standards (AASHTO, ACI, IBC, ISO, ASCE 7, DNV).
  • Familiarity with civil design elements such as cut/fill analysis, stormwater, and road design.
• Professional Skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), AutoCAD, and Bluebeam.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • PE license or eligibility.
  • Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
  • MSHA/OSHA 10-hour certification (or equivalent).
  • Spanish language proficiency.
  • Familiarity with finite element modeling (Plaxis, FLAC, SIGMA/W).

Working Conditions

• Office-based role with potential hybrid arrangements.
• Up to 25% travel for site visits, meetings, and inspections.
• Occasional construction site exposure requiring PPE.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions during fieldwork.
• Typical office ergonomics with prolonged computer use.
• Full professional English fluency.

Pay

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $108,000 and $135,150 per year; base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package also includes an annual bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• 401(k