Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Black & Veatch; Rancho Cordova (CA); Hybrid; USD 142,086 - 282,475; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to manage hydraulic structures projects for hydropower clients. You will lead and mentor junior engineers while ensuring high-quality design solutions. Preferred qualifications include experience with West Coast clients and a Professional Engineer (P.E.) License. The role potentially offers hybrid work options after initial employment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 11 years of related work experience.
• Ability to obtain Geotechnical License in CA.
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydraulic structures projects for hydropower clients.
• Create written technical documents and specifications.
• Manage and mentor junior engineers.
• Communicate with clients to deliver technical solutions.
• Participate in equipment procurement and construction management.

Skills

Civil engineering technical skills

Hydraulic structures project management

Design guides and standards knowledge

General engineering principles

Client communication

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or Business

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with strong civil engineering technical skills to lead hydraulic structures projects for our hydropower clients across the Northwest, West Coast, and Southwest regions. This role involves managing and mentoring junior staff while building an execution team capable of delivering a diverse array of multi‑discipline design projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate directly with client counterparts to understand key interests and develop technical solutions from concept to closeout.
• Translate client direction into efficient work plans and coordinate with project team members to deliver high‑quality work products.
• Create written technical documents, technical drawings, specifications, cost estimates, alternative analyses, and other common engineering deliverables.
• Apply knowledge of design guides, standards, systems, and applicable engineering codes relevant to the hydropower industry.
• Leverage general engineering principles—including hydraulics, civil/structural design, geotechnical considerations, and mechanical systems—to generate unique, engineered solutions.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of calculations and design documents.
• Participate in equipment procurement and construction management processes.
• Manage and mentor junior engineers.
• Provide support to business development teams for pursuit activities, with the opportunity to lead projects you pursue and acquire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with West Coast hydropower clients.
• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or Business.
• Geotechnical License in CA or ability to obtain.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited program.
• Minimum of 11 years of related work experience.
• Ability to complete pre‑employment onboarding requirements (criminal/civil background check, drug screen, motor vehicle records search, etc.).

Certifications

• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) License.
• Geotechnical License in CA or ability to obtain.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based on manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.
• Typical office and construction environments with exposure to extreme weather, high noise levels, electrical hazards, scaffolding, high places, chemicals, fumes, dusts, and mists.
• Tasks include sitting, walking, talking, reading, writing, keyboarding, driving, filing, reaching, stooping, crouching, bending, standing for extended periods, and lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds.

Salary Plan

Engineering (ENG)

Job Grade

017

Annual Compensation Range

$142,086.00 – $282,475.00

EEO Statement

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here.