Senior Geotechnical Engineer

HDR; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer in Austin, Texas, to lead investigations and coordinate major project activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in geotechnical engineering with a focus on project impact and quality control.

This role emphasizes collaboration alongside HDR's commitment to diversity and inclusion, aiming to empower employee-owners in a supportive environment. Candidates should possess a Professional Engineering license and be ready to contribute to large-scale civil works projects.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Professional engineering license recognized in Texas.
• 15+ years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare geotechnical investigations.
• Coordinate geotechnical investigations for various projects.
• Prepare contract documents and geotechnical reports.

Skills

Professional engineering license

Geotechnical data management software

Advanced numerical modeling techniques

Microsoft Office applications

GIS and CADD

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Geology

Tools

GeoStudio/Ensoft software

Bentley suite (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)

PLAXIS

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, constantly asking ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare geotechnical investigations or design activities that have significant impact on major company programs
• Participate in marketing efforts of both internal and external clients
• Organize, conduct, and coordinate or manage geotechnical investigations for water, transportation, large‑scale facilities and other projects
• Perform, review, and provide quality control for geotechnical analyses, including parameter development, seepage, slope stability, settlement, foundation pile analysis, retaining wall design, bearing capacity evaluations and others
• Prepare contract documents, including drawings, design reports, specifications and cost estimates
• Prepare geotechnical reports and coordinate with designers to implement recommendations
• Familiarity with design guidelines such as TxDOT and USACE
• Function as a Technical Specialist or Project Manager on large‑size projects as needed; project management is not the sole focus of this position
• Supervise professionals, technicians and design teams, as needed
• Some travel may be required to support project work
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience
• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Geology

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 10 years of experience
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license)
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, GIS, and CADD, as appropriate
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage, and deep foundation response software, as appropriate
• Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
• Knowledge of advanced numerical modeling techniques such as Finite Difference, Finite Element, Discrete Element, etc. and commercial software for advanced numerical modeling (Bentley, PLAXIS, Itasca FLAC)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Texas-Austin

Other Locations: United States-Texas-Round Rock, United States-Texas-San Antonio

Industry: Water

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Dams Levees Civil Works

Job Posting: Jun 1, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.