Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical projects in California. This full-time role involves technical expertise in seismic engineering, mentoring staff, and leading field exploration. An ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, a Master's in Geotechnical Engineering, and 10+ years of relevant experience. Familiarity with geotechnical software like ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Bentley tools is crucial. Commitment to team participation in an employee-owned culture is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering, including 20 years in California preferred.
• Professional engineering license is required.
• Strong knowledge of GIS and CADD applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical engineering projects within the Water Business Group.
• Mentor staff and develop technical skills.
• Prepare technical documents, geotechnical reports, and technical memoranda.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering expertise

Project leadership

Mentorship

Data analysis

Technical documentation preparation

Advanced numerical modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

ArcGIS

Autodesk AutoCAD

Civil3D

gINT

GeoStudio

Ensoft pile software

Bentley suite

Job description

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Position Overview – This role focuses on leading geotechnical engineering projects within the Water Business Group at HDR, providing technical expertise, mentorship, and project leadership in seismic and site‑specific geotechnical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Be viewed as a technical expert with recognized authority in a specialized area that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity.
• Mentor staff in technical and leadership development skills.
• Serve as a technical lead on projects.
• Take responsibility for proposal scope and fee development.
• Participate in marketing efforts of both internal and external clients.
• Develop and lead geotechnical field exploration and laboratory testing programs.
• Lead and perform data analysis and engineering evaluations to support and inform design, project management, and client management.
• Prepare technical documents, geotechnical reports, and technical memoranda containing conclusions and recommendations.
• Apply advanced knowledge of geotechnical earthquake engineering concepts such as seismic hazard, seismic site response, and liquefaction.
• Apply advanced knowledge of Bay Area and California geology and soil conditions, including marine deposits such as Young Bay Mud.
• Review geotechnical technical documentation.
• Plan and develop projects or design activities with significant impact on major company programs as needed.
• Plan, organize, and supervise work of a small to medium number of staff, professionals, and technicians.
• May serve as project manager on larger projects, though project management is not the sole focus.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
• 20 years of experience in California.
• Experience with ArcGIS and/or Autodesk AutoCAD and Civil3D.
• Experience with gINT, GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W), Ensoft pile software (LPILE, APILE, SHAFT, GROUP), Settle3, CLiq, CPeT‑IT.

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of experience.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location (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 in our employee‑owned culture.

Location

United States – California – Oakland • Folsom

Other Details

Business Class: Dams, Levees, Civil Works.

Schedule: Full‑time.

Employee Status: Regular.

Job Posting: May 1, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Statement

HDR is committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.