Senior Geotechnical Engineering Manager

WSP in the U.S.; Merrimack (NH); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineering Manager for our Merrimack, NH office. This role involves managing a broad range of geotechnical projects from inception to completion, ensuring high-quality design and safety adherence.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in civil or geological engineering, with over 10 years of experience. This position allows for hybrid working and demands both technical proficiency and leadership in managing project teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of post-education experience in geotechnical/geological engineering and design.
• Engineer Licensure in one or more New England states or ability to receive multi-state licensure.
• Proficiency with technical writing and office automation tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior geotechnical/geological engineering review and technical assistance for evaluations and design.
• Oversee the collection, compilation, and analysis of data from the physical work site.
• Lead large-scale geotechnical/geological projects, ensuring team accountability.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Detail oriented

Communication skills

Self-leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or geological engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Geotechnical specialty software

Job description

Senior Geotechnical Engineering Manager – Merrimack, NH

WSP is initiating a search for a Senior Geotechnical Engineering Manager for our Merrimack, NH office. The candidate will work full‑time either fully in‑person or on a hybrid schedule. Alternate locations include Eliot, ME; Portland, ME; Chelmsford, MA; Worcester, MA; Boston, MA; North Providence, RI; Shelton, CT; and Glastonbury, CT.

The role involves contributing to a variety of projects such as foundations, soil & rock slopes, retaining walls for transportation (bridges, highways), pipelines, dams, mining, buildings, and private development. The ideal candidate has a degree, engineering and management experience in geotechnical & geological projects across the United States with a focus on New England. This lead position offers office‑based tasks, project management, hands‑on field activities, and the delivery of high‑quality design, safety, accuracy, and functionality.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior geotechnical/geological engineering review and technical assistance for evaluations, design, report preparation, contract document development, and construction of projects involving soil and rock mechanics; geohazards; soil/structure interaction; subsurface exploration and field testing programs; laboratory testing; geophysical methods; foundations for transportation structures; slope stability; retaining walls; excavation support systems; dewatering systems; instrumentation systems; pavement systems; and earthwork operations.
• Oversee the collection, compilation, and analysis of data from the physical work site, soil/rock samples, surveys, LiDAR, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, hydrologic analysis, geologic and geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
• Apply advanced geotechnical/geological techniques to identify improvements for project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, design/build partnerships, procurement, construction, and operation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in rock mass characterization and rock and soil logging processes.
• Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; prepare construction safety and phasing plans; and update layout plans requiring coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub‑consultants, and clients.
• Participate from proposal to project inception to completion in the management of design and construction of infrastructure projects, including rehabilitation and reconstruction, grading, drainage, installation, foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, and related systems.
• Oversee the development and implementation of advanced technologies, monitoring devices, building materials, modeling techniques, design requirements, and operating strategies to maintain safety and functionality for end‑users, transportation systems, and structures.
• Lead large‑scale geotechnical/geological projects, ensuring team accountability, budget oversight, event monitoring, hours and expense tracking, and subcontractor supervision.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on projects involving multiple sectors, clients, regulators, and sites.
• Assist with engineering review of permit applications, design plans, specifications, standby plans, contracts, and periodic construction inspections to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and sound engineering practice.
• Meet with public or private entities or individuals to discuss engineering and construction challenges and programs.
• Prepare and review documents, including engineering drawings, specifications, work plans, calculations, and cost estimates, ensuring technical reports and presentations clearly communicate findings and recommendations.
• Prepare data visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for analysis presentation.
• Engage with colleagues, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, clients, drillers, and laboratory staff professionally and confidently.
• Develop or maintain a client base for high‑level geotechnical/geological services and identify additional business development opportunities.
• Provide technical direction, oversight, mentoring, and training to junior staff in all aspects of project delivery.
• Stay current with the latest geotechnical/geological engineering techniques and practices.
• Support national and regional client programs through participation with appropriate technical teams.
• Contribute to the development and execution of business plans related to growth of sector services, market insight, and marketing strategy facilitation.
• Participate in identifying regional technical needs and recruitment of required skills in collaboration with senior colleagues.
• Make responsible and ethical decisions regarding company funds, resources, and conduct while adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or geological engineering with a focus on geotechnical or geological practice.
• 10+ years of post‑education experience in geotechnical/geological engineering and design.
• Engineer Licensure in one or more New England states or ability to receive multi‑state licensure.
• Knowledge of engineering and geologic research techniques and protocols.
• Ability to coordinate with clients, colleagues, and third‑party groups and understand requirements.
• Analytical mindset, detail oriented, and experience with geological research techniques.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and geotechnical specialty software.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills for professional and non‑professional audiences.
• Self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to lead a team to meet business objectives under general supervision.
• Proficiency with technical writing and office automation tools.
• Adherence to WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Comfortable in remote settings and willingness to perform a variety of tasks as needed, with occasional travel.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in geotechnical or geological engineering.
• Experience with rock mechanics and design and inspection of rock slope stabilization.
• Experience with geomorphology and surface processes.
• 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 with a positive attitude and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Expertise in geotechnical engineering practices and principles.
• Active membership or participation in local professional practice organizations.

Legal & EEO Statement

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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.