Civil / Geotechnical Engineer

Powertech Labs; Surrey; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Powertech Labs in Surrey, BC, seeks a Civil Engineer with geotechnical focus to assess embankment dam materials, plan laboratory work, and communicate findings to stakeholders.

The role requires a Civil Engineering degree, potential P.Eng. eligibility with EGBC, and up to five years’ relevant experience, preferably with geotechnical lab work or embankment dam projects. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with geotechnical focus preferred.
• Postgraduate geotechnical degree preferred and valued.
• Registered or eligible for P.Eng. with EGBC.
• Up to five years of relevant engineering experience toward EGBC registration.
• Experience with embankment dams or civil infrastructure is an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform production-level laboratory testing on embankment dam materials.
• Analyze results and develop technically sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Prepare engineering reports including plans, fabrication and testing reports.
• Coordinate testing activities and monitor scope, schedule, and budget.
• Provide guidance to laboratory staff and ensure procedures compliance.
• Support quality management and continuous improvement.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Analytical skills

Technical writing

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Geotechnical postgraduate degree (asset)

P.Eng. eligibility with EGBC

5 years engineering experience toward EGBC

Job description

Powertech Labs Inc is a cleantech company with the mission of being a trusted innovation partner providing solutions, specialized testing, and technical expertise for a safe and sustainable global energy future. Powertech has a global reputation for delivering transformative solutions in both the electric power industry as well as the transport sector. A clean future will be driven by electric and hydrogen power, and we will help get there.
We are always guided by our values as a global clean-technology and engineering company:

• Safety: This top everything. We do our work safely or we do not do it at all.
• Challenges: We ready ourselves for the hardest challenges – through attaining accreditations, developing industry-leading innovative products & services, investing in our labs, hiring great people, and making them better.
• Diverse Teams: We are strongest together and capitalize on our varied attributes – together we are more than the sum of parts.
• Ourcustomers: Customers fuel thiscompany,and we constantly work with them to earn and retain their trust and loyalty. We expect that our customers hold us accountable to our commitments.
• Excellence: Striving for excellence, acting with integrity, and having the highest standards in quality are core to what we do.

Reporting to the Civil Technology Engineering Team Lead within, the successful candidate will assess and characterize embankment dam materials using a specialized, state-of-the-art testing facility developed in collaboration with BC Hydro. The role involves planning and executing laboratory work, analyzing results, preparing technical documentation, and communicating findings and recommendations to project stakeholders. The successful candidate will work closely with engineers and technical staff to deliver high-quality work safely, accurately, and within established schedules and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform production-level laboratory testing to evaluate the internal stability, filter compatibility, and filter performance of embankment dam materials.
• Analyze and interpret laboratory results and develop technically sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Prepare clear engineering documentation and technical reports, including work plans, design and fabrication reports, laboratory testing reports, and related project deliverables.
• Coordinate assigned testing activities and monitor progress against project scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to laboratory and technical staff, as appropriate, and review work for accuracy, technical adequacy, and compliance with established procedures.
• Support Powertech’s quality management program by following applicable quality standards, procedures, and accreditation requirements.
• Contribute to the review and development of technical methods, procedures, and standards to improve safety, efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Powertech and support integrated, cross-disciplinary technical solutions.
• Assist in evaluating opportunities for new services, including technical feasibility and potential client or market needs.
• Participate in project and technical meetings, prepare and deliver presentations, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor or support team members within the limits of assigned responsibilities and experience.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Relevant coursework, research, co-op experience, or project experience in geotechnical engineering is preferred.
• A postgraduate degree in geotechnical engineering is preferred and would be considered an asset.
• Registered or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC).
• Up to five years of relevant engineering experience toward meeting EGBC requirements for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
• Experience related to the inspection, assessment, design, or laboratory testing of embankment dams or other civil infrastructure is considered an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence or equivalent.

Technical and Professional Qualifications

• Strong analytical, technical writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to interpret test data, identify technical issues, and prepare accurate, well-supported conclusions.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage assigned responsibilities, and seek appropriate technical guidance when required.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety, quality, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to learn and apply new engineering concepts, laboratory methods, technologies, and procedures.

Performance Competencies (Non-Technical Skills)

• Demonstrates safety leadership and maintains strong awareness of laboratory and field hazards.
• Provides responsive, professional service and considers client needs and perspectives.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Applies sound judgment and structured problem-solving when addressing technical or time-sensitive issues.
• Demonstrates accountability, dependability, initiative, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
• Organizes work effectively, manages competing priorities, and delivers high-quality results under constrained schedules.
• Recognizes professional limitations and seeks additional guidance or support when appropriate.

Additional Experience: Candidates with lower relevant experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a junior/EIT position, subject to their qualifications, experience, and organizational requirements.

Safety-Sensitive Position

This role has been designated as safety sensitive. Pre-employment alcohol and drug testing is required as a condition of employment.
What we offer
Location: Surrey B.C.
Job Status: Full-Time Temporary (until December 2027)
Affiliation: M&P
Level: P1
Annual Salary: $74K - $93K