Senior Geotechnical Engineer

GHD; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 125,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Vancouver is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their multidisciplinary team. The role focuses on geotechnical site characterization, design, and collaboration across various civil disciplines. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience, a degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, and a strong background in numerical modeling tools. This position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary ranging from $125,000 to $183,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Strong proficiency in numerical modeling tools.
• Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng) in BC or eligible.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design geotechnical investigation programs.
• Conduct foundation and slope design.
• Support seismic engineering projects.
• Automate geotechnical tasks using scripts.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Soil and rock investigation

Geotechnical/geostructural design

Numerical modeling tools

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or geotechnical engineering

Tools

PLAXIS 2D/3D

FLAC 2D/3D

DIANA FEA

RS2

RS3

Job description

Senior Geotechnical Engineer – GHD

Join us in Vancouver, BC as part of our specialized geotechnical and geo‑structural team. The role focuses on technical excellence and innovation across multidisciplinary projects in Canada, the U.S., South America and the Asia‑Pacific region.

Our hybrid work model requires employees to work from the office three days a week while enjoying flexibility for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Geotechnical Site Characterization: Plan and design investigation programs, interpret soil and rock investigations, and develop geotechnical design reports.
• Geotechnical & Geostructural Design: Foundation design, soft soil engineering solutions, soil improvement, slope stabilization, retaining systems and rock mechanics applications.
• Seismic Engineering: Support performance‑based earthquake‑resistant foundation and retaining structure design.
• Advanced Analysis: Perform and review stress‑strain and soil‑structure interaction modeling using PLAXIS 2D/3D, FLAC 2D/3D, DIANA FEA, RS2 and RS3 tools.
• Cross‑Disciplinary Collaboration: Provide geotechnical input for tunnel, dam, tailings facility and structural designs; participate in integrated design reviews.
• Innovation & Automation: Develop scripts and digital workflows (Python, VBA, machine learning) to automate repetitive geotechnical tasks.
• Quality & Leadership: Review deliverables for compliance with GHD’s quality management procedures, promote technical excellence, and mentor junior engineers.
• Project Management: Coordinate geotechnical scope, manage schedules and resources, and ensure timely delivery of project milestones.
• Proposal Support: Contribute to technical sections of proposals, methodologies and client presentations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering, including soil and/or rock investigation and interpretation, geotechnical/geostructural design, and proven collaboration with other civil disciplines.
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in civil engineering or geotechnical engineering.
• Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng) in BC or eligibility to obtain one.
• Strong technical background and proficiency in numerical modeling tools such as PLAXIS 2D/3D, FLAC 2D/3D, DIANA FEA, RS2, RS3 and related software.
• Knowledge of Python scripting, AutoCAD, Rhino, Grasshopper, OpenGround, LeapFrog (not required but an asset).
• Knowledge in rock mechanics is considered an asset.

Salary range: $125,000 – $183,000 based on experience.

As a diverse and inclusive organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.