Geotechnical Engineer 8: Dams & Levees Discipline Leader

CDM Smith; Allentown (Lehigh County); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead their geotechnical discipline. This role involves providing technical expertise on large-scale infrastructure projects, mentoring staff, and driving business growth through innovative solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in geotechnical engineering, project management, and client relations. Join a forward-thinking company that values continuous improvement and offers a supportive environment for professional growth. If you are ready to make a significant impact in the field of geotechnical engineering, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Discretionary Bonuses

Career Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 15 years of related experience in geotechnical engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary projects including dams and levees.
• Recruit and mentor technical staff while driving innovative solutions.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Project Management

Business Development

Interpersonal Communication

Technical Leadership

Regulatory Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil, Mining or Geologic Engineering

Graduate degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical Engineering emphasis

Tools

FLAC 2D/3D

Plaxis 2D/3D

Job description

40415BR

Requisition ID: 40415BR

Business Unit: TSU

Job Description: Are you passionate about designing sustainable infrastructure solutions and helping clients solve complex geotechnical problems?

Are you the go-to person on your geotechnical projects, able to identify and properly apply the most-appropriate technical solutions?

If you’re a senior geotechnical engineer with a desire to grow a national discipline and a team, this could be a great fit!

CDM Smith’s geotechnical discipline leader is a U.S.-based technical and sales role responsible for growing the geotechnical discipline and team globally. We are searching for a thought leader who is confident with clients, understands large-scale geotechnical projects, seeks innovative approaches to solve challenges, and encourages employees to expand their expertise. The discipline leader will collaborate with our sales team to identify and showcase our technical differentiators to drive growth.

As the discipline leader and a contributor to CDM Smith’s transformational growth, you will have a leadership role in the following areas:

1. Provide leadership, management, and technical expertise for a wide variety of multidisciplinary projects including dams and reservoirs, levees and floodwalls, heavy-civil works, and other infrastructure projects.
2. Position us ahead of challenges recognized in the marketplace, including pre-positioning for pursuits by identifying and showcasing our technical differentiators.
3. Expand dam and levee-related geotechnical business to complement the other CDM Smith business lines.
4. Work as a recognized leader of technical and professional staff.
5. Be actively involved in the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) and/or U.S. Society on Dams (USSD).
6. Serve as a technical specialist in the application of advanced geotechnical engineering theories, concepts, principles, and processes for a wide range in multidisciplinary projects.
7. Recruit, retain, and mentor the best and brightest technical employees.
8. Anticipate, identify, and adopt new technologies that help our clients solve challenges.
9. Collaborate with other discipline leaders in the practice to cultivate innovative solutions, technologies, and research and development projects.
10. Embrace continuous improvement, drive a culture of quality, and meet commitments for sustained success.
11. Work with clients in the public, private, federal, and international markets.

Job Title: Geotechnical Engineer 8: Dams & Levees Discipline Leader

Group: ISO

Certification/License Requirements: Professional Engineer

Employment Type: Regular

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil, Mining or Geologic Engineering or related discipline.
2. Professional engineering (PE) license. 15 years of related experience.
3. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
4. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Graduate degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical Engineering emphasis preferred.
2. Working knowledge of FLAC 2D/3D or Plaxis 2D/3D is a plus.
3. Experience in dams, levees, trenchless design, tunnels, or geo-environmental projects is a plus.
4. Experience with staff management, project management, and business development is a plus.

EEO Statement: We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Job Site Location: United States - Nationwide

Amount of Travel Required: 20%

Assignment Category: Fulltime-Regular

Visa Sponsorship Available: No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Expertise in embankment dams and levees, flood protection facility design, foundation design (deep and shallow), excavation support systems, dewatering, pipeline work, and solid waste.
2. Experience performing and/or overseeing geotechnical engineering analyses, evaluations, and calculations for geotechnical engineering studies and designs.
3. Experience providing engineering services during construction on projects involving dams/levees/floodwalls, earthwork, deep foundations, support of excavations, and other project types consistent with successful applicant’s expertise and pipelines.
4. Expertise in managing projects, subcontractors, and geotechnical staff on multi-disciplined projects and working within multi-disciplined team environment.
5. Comprehensive knowledge and multi-discipline experience in planning, designing, and managing large-scale geotechnical projects.
6. Expert knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations.
7. Experience assisting in marketing and business development related efforts related to existing and new clients.
8. Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact with clients and employees effectively, persuasively, and tactfully at all levels.
9. Ability to understand highly complex technical, professional, and business materials.
10. Experience in multiple project delivery types including design-build, design-bid-build, construction manager-at-risk, etc.
11. Proficient in reading and interpreting contracts, drawings, and specifications.
12. Ability to leverage a matrix organization to build relationships and drive desired results.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information: CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Pay Range Minimum: $133,016

Pay Range Maximum: $246,043

Additional Compensation: All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work Location Options: Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Driver's License Requirements: An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.

Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.