Senior Geotechnical Dam Engineer

Schnabel, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

Bonus program

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Professional development and tuition

Job summary

Schnabel Engineering in Texas seeks a Senior Geotechnical Dam Engineer with 12+ years of experience to lead evaluation, design, rehabilitation, and construction of embankment dams, levees, and hydraulic structures.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership on dam safety projects, mentor staff, manage client relationships, and help grow Schnabel’s dam engineering practice across Texas. Schnabel is employee-owned with ESOP and offers a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Civil Engineering degree; Master’s preferred.
• Texas PE license or reciprocity upon employment.
• 12+ years in dams and hydraulic structures design, inspection and construction.
• Experience with dam safety design methodologies and regulations.
• Strong project, client, and staff management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations and evaluations for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Manage complex dam projects from planning through construction.
• Develop scopes, budgets, schedules, and staffing plans.
• Maintain client relationships and support business development.
• Mentor engineers and supervise staff; recruit and develop talent.
• Provide engineering support during construction and reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Dam engineering

Project management

Client management

Communication

Mentorship

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Texas PE license

ABET-accredited Civil Engineering degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Geotechnical software

AutoCAD

Finite element modeling

Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit Options Include

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a relaxed atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then Schnabel Engineering may be a great fit for you! We approach problems with creativity and innovation balanced with tried‑and‑true engineering experience and industry knowledge.

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Dam Engineer (>12-years experience) with expertise in the evaluation, design, rehabilitation, and construction of embankment dams, levees, and hydraulic structures. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership on dam safety projects while managing client relationships, mentoring staff, and contributing to the growth of Schnabel's dam engineering practice in Texas.

Job Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership
  • Lead geotechnical investigations and evaluations for dams and hydraulic structures.
  • Perform and oversee seepage analyses, slope stability analyses, internal erosion evaluations, and foundation assessments.
  • Prepare and review engineering calculations, reports, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
  • Develop rehabilitation and risk‑reduction measures for existing dams.
  • Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to contractor questions, reviewing submittals, and conducting site visits.
• Project Management
  • Manage complex dam engineering projects from planning through construction.
  • Develop scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and staffing plans.
  • Monitor project financial performance and resource utilization.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across Schnabel offices.
• Client Management & Business Development
  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships with dam owners, utilities, governmental agencies, and water resource organizations.
  • Support business development efforts through networking, conference participation, and strategic client engagement.
  • Lead and contribute to proposals, qualifications packages, and interviews.
  • Assist with negotiating professional services contracts.
• Staff Management
  • Mentor and supervise engineers and technical staff.
  • Support professional development and technical growth of junior staff.
  • Participate in recruiting and staff development initiatives.

Required Skills/Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or other related engineering discipline from an ABET‑accredited program. A Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (preferred) or the ability to obain reciprocity upon employment.
• At least 12 years of relevant technical experience in inspection, evaluation, design and construction of dams and hydraulic structures. Texas experience is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of applicable state and federal dam safety design methodologies, policies and regulations. Texas experience is preferred.
• Experience with project management, client management, business development, and staff management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and well‑organized.
• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Proficiency with common computer‑aided analyses and modeling programs applicable to geotechnical engineering.
• Experience preparing and reviewing construction drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience with construction of earth dams, concrete dams, and hydraulic structures.

Other Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screening.

The compensation range for an Associate level candidate is $140,000 to $160,000 with 12-15+ years of experience.

The compensation range for a Senior Associate level candidate is $160,000 to $175,000 with 15-20+ years of experience.

Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.