Senior Geotechnical Engineer

WSP in the U.S.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement savings plan

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for their Birmingham, Alabama office. This role offers the opportunity to provide geotechnical engineering services for various projects across the southeastern United States, including transportation infrastructure and commercial developments.

The successful candidate will take charge of project delivery, client engagement, and technical leadership, while working in a collaborative environment. Applicants should possess a degree in Civil Engineering, significant experience in geotechnical engineering, and strong project management skills.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Alabama or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards (e.g., AASHTO, ASTM, FHWA).

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform geotechnical engineering analyses and design.
• Plan and manage subsurface exploration programs.
• Prepare and oversee geotechnical engineering deliverables.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis and design

Transportation infrastructure projects

Subsurface investigation planning

Client communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Master's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Geotechnical software (e.g., SLIDE, LPILE, OpenGround/gINT)

Job description

Job Summary

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for our Birmingham, Alabama office. This role provides the opportunity to support a growing portfolio of projects throughout the southeastern United States, delivering geotechnical engineering services for transportation infrastructure, power and energy facilities, and industrial/commercial developments. The selected candidate will play a key role in project delivery, technical leadership, and client engagement across Alabama and the broader Southeast.

Your Impact

• Lead and perform geotechnical engineering analyses and design for:
  • Transportation projects (roadways, bridges, embankments, slopes)
  • Power and energy facilities (generation, substations, transmission corridors)
  • Industrial and commercial site developments
• Plan, coordinate, and manage subsurface exploration programs, including drilling, sampling, laboratory testing, and field investigations.
• Prepare and oversee geotechnical engineering deliverables, including:
  • Geotechnical data reports
  • Interpretive reports
  • Foundation and earthwork design recommendations
• Perform analyses and design for:
  • Shallow and deep foundations
  • Slope stability and retaining structures
  • Settlement and ground improvement solutions
  • Pavement and subgrade evaluations
• Provide construction‑phase support, including:
  • Field observations and inspections
  • Design reviews and responses to RFIs
  • Construction recommendations and troubleshooting
• Apply sound engineering judgment to evaluate subsurface conditions and develop practical, cost‑effective solutions.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers and technical staff, ensuring adherence to QA/QC procedures and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams across transportation, civil, environmental, and power sectors.
• Support business development, including:
  • Proposal development
  • Scope definition and fee estimates
  • Client communication and relationship management
• Manage multiple assignments while maintaining schedule, budget, and quality objectives.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical focus (Master’s preferred).
• 5 to 7+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Alabama or the ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Demonstrated experience supporting:
  • Transportation infrastructure projects
  • Power/energy or utility projects
  • Industrial and commercial development projects
• Experience with:
  • Subsurface investigation planning and execution
  • Geotechnical analysis and design
  • Preparation of technical reports and contract documents
• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards (e.g., AASHTO, ASTM, FHWA).
• Ability to work independently and serve as a task or project lead.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering projects in the southeastern United States, with Alabama experience strongly preferred.
• Project management skills with experience leading teams on complex or multi‑project programs.
• Client focus with experience in client management and effective project/program delivery.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, and organizational skills combined with a positive attitude and the ability to work both independently and in groups, including with technical peers across the company, client contacts, and subcontractors.
• Familiarity with state DOT requirements (e.g., ALDOT, TDOT, GDOT).
• Experience supporting power and utility clients or heavy industrial facilities.
• Experience with geotechnical software (e.g., SLIDE, LPILE, OpenGround/gINT).
• Strong understanding of regional soil and rock conditions across the Southeast.

Benefits

Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.