Geotechnical Lead Engineer

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.; Minnetonka (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Geotechnical Lead Engineer to join our Power and Renewables teams. You will lead geotechnical investigations and design for renewable energy projects, substations, and transmission lines, while mentoring junior staff and coordinating field and lab activities.

The role emphasizes project management, client interaction, and technical leadership in a fast-paced environment, with travel to field sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/geotechnical engineering from ABET-accredited college, PE preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of related work experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Experience with geotechnical investigations, reports, and field testing.
• Strong technical writing and mentoring abilities.
• Familiarity with geotechnical software and design for power-related projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare proposals and cost estimates for geotechnical investigations and related design work.
• Participate in site investigations, assign lab tests, analyze data, and prepare reports.
• Interpret geotechnical data for material characterization and design.
• Perform analyses including bearing capacity, settlement, liquefaction, and slope stability.
• Supervise, mentor, and train geotechnical staff; promote a collaborative team culture.

Skills

Leadership/mentoring

Project management

Technical writing

Field work

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil/geotechnical engineering (ABET-accredited)

Master’s degree is a plus

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

gINT

GeoStudio

LPile

MFAD

Job description

Description

Geotechnical Lead Engineer

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Geotechnical Lead Engineer to join our Power and Renewables teams. The successful job applicant will be part of a dynamic geotechnical engineering team and will assist with the management and execution of geotechnical investigations and design related to renewable energy projects, substations, transmission lines, battery storage, and other power-related projects. Work elements may involve some or all the following: estimating, project management, training/mentoring staff, coordinating field and laboratory testing, geotechnical analysis and design, report preparation, and construction monitoring/observation. Westwood has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our clients. In this role, you will not only lead geotechnical projects but also play a crucial role in the professional development of our junior staff. Your expertise will guide them as they grow in their careers, ensuring they gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare proposals and cost estimates for geotechnical investigations and related design work.
• Participate in geotechnical site investigations, assign geotechnical laboratory tests, analyze field and lab data, and prepare investigation reports.
• Interpret and analyze geotechnical data to establish type, classification and engineering characteristics of materials.
• Complete geotechnical engineering analyses including, but not limited to, bearing capacity, settlement, rotational stiffness, liquefaction, seepage, and slope stability.
• Manage, supervise, mentor, and train other geotechnical staff, along with fostering a culture of learning and collaboration within the team.

Requirements

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/geotechnical engineering from an ABET accredited college. Master’s degree a plus.
  PE required.
• Minimum 5 years of related work experience.
• Knowledge of geotechnical engineering fundamentals, geotechnical testing, and general civil/geotechnical engineering design and construction practices. Geotechnical experience on power-related projects a plus.
• Experience performing and managing geotechnical investigations and reports. Strong technical writing skills.
• Experience supervising and training geotechnical staff.
• Strong computer skills, with proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with gINT, GeoStudio, LPile, MFAD, and other geotechnical software a plus.
• Strong technical, communication, mentoring, and interpersonal skills. Works best in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to travel/work in the field for extended periods and have the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and various terrains associated with construction projects.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and check the quality of own work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing in English. Experience communicating directly with clients.
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively, which includes planning, organizing and prioritizing with attention to details.