Hydropower Geotechnical Engineer

HDR; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join its Hydropower program. You will lead analysis, design, and construction for large dam projects regionally, guiding field investigations and software modeling.

The role blends technical leadership with potential project management and client engagement. Ideal candidates bring a geotechnical/geological engineering background, a PE license, and experience with dam safety, geotechnical software, and field exploration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or MS degree in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering.
• PE license in NC.
• 5+ years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation or GIS.
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage and deep foundation software.
• Experience with Bentley software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog).
• Experience planning, performing, and documenting subsurface explorations.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting field and laboratory testing results.
• Experience reading, reviewing, and interpreting geotechnical instrumentation.
• Experience with dam safety inspections and dam engineering.
• Ability to work independently on smaller projects and in multi‑discipline teams.
• Willing to travel for field work; local candidates preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive project workflows and planning.
• Lead geotechnical field investigations and lab testing programs.
• Prepare geotechnical analyses, design calculations and reports.
• Review dam safety instrumentation data and FE modeling of dams.
• Prepare design drawings and construction specifications.
• Support marketing efforts for clients and internal teams.
• Assist as Project Manager on mid‑size initiatives.
• Support HDR business activities as needed.

Skills

Soft skills

Problem solving

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Field travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or MS degree in Geotechnical/Geological Engineering

PE license (NC)

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

GIS

GeoStudio/Ensoft

Bentley suite (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)

Microsoft Office

Job description

HDR is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join its Hydropower program. You will lead analysis, design, and construction for large dam projects regionally, guiding field investigations and software modeling.

The role blends technical leadership with potential project management and client engagement. Ideal candidates bring a geotechnical/geological engineering background, a PE license, and experience with dam safety, geotechnical software, and field exploration.