Sr Geotechnical Engineer

HDR; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is looking for a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to lead the technical aspects of a $3–5 billion infrastructure project. The role includes ensuring compliance with transportation standards, providing geotechnical support during design and construction phases, and coordinating testing activities. Preferred qualifications include 10+ years of geotechnical experience, a degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, and a professional engineering license. This position requires a strong problem-solving mindset and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Working knowledge of geotechnical principles, foundation systems, and soil behavior.
• Familiarity with FDOT standards and testing procedures.
• Ability to interpret construction documents and technical data.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical support for design and construction.
• Provide field support and oversight during geotechnical installation.
• Coordinate geotechnical testing and review results.
• Support quality assurance efforts through field reviews.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Problem-solving

Communication

Field oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS

CADD applications

GeoStudio

PLAXIS

FLAC

Job description

HDR is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead technical aspects of a $3–5 billion infrastructure project. The role ensures compliance with transportation standards while providing technical leadership across all project phases, including planning, design, and construction.

Core Responsibilities

• Geotechnical Support to Design
  • Review design submittals (plans, reports, calculations) for compliance with standards.
  • Provide comments on shop drawings and geotechnical-related design elements to support constructability.
  • Assist in reviewing scope elements and identify potential risks or gaps early in design.
  • Support evaluation of cost-saving initiatives and alternative technical concepts.
• Construction Support & Field Oversight
  • Provide field support during installation of geotechnical elements.
  • Assist CEI staff with interpretation of plans, specs, and geotechnical requirements.
  • Participate in or support pre-construction and pre-operation meetings to clarify expectations.
  • Observe field activities to identify non-conformance or potential issues.
• Testing, Evaluation & Documentation
  • Coordinate and review geotechnical testing activities.
  • Review foundation logs, installation records, and certification packages for completeness and accuracy.
  • Assist in evaluating test results and supporting recommendations for foundation performance.
• Quality Assurance & Issue Resolution
  • Support geotechnical QA efforts through field reviews and documentation checks.
  • Identify and help resolve geotechnical issues encountered during construction.
  • Assist in evaluating non-conformance issues and recommending corrective actions.
  • Provide technical input on geotechnical-related claims or disputes.
• Coordination & Program Support
  • Coordinate with geotechnical subconsultants, testing firms, and laboratories.
  • Interface with client Materials Office and project stakeholders.
  • Support consistent communication across design, construction, and materials teams.
  • Contribute to improving geotechnical processes, documentation, and field practices.

Key Outputs

• Clear, actionable geotechnical review comments.
• Evaluated test results with supporting recommendations.
• Field observations and QA documentation.
• Timely technical input that supports design development and construction progress, reducing risk.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Working knowledge of geotechnical principles, foundation systems, and soil behavior.
• Familiarity with FDOT standards, specifications, and testing procedures.
• Ability to interpret construction documents and technical data.
• Strong communication and coordination skills in a field environment.
• Ability to work independently while supporting a broader team structure.
• Practical problem-solving mindset focused on constructability and risk reduction.

Work Environment

• Field-based role with frequent travel across project sites.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• 10 years of professional experience.
• Professional engineering license (PE, P.Eng., or equivalent) valid in the location of the position.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, GIS, and CADD applications.
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft, Bentley geotechnical data management suites, and advanced numerical modeling software (e.g., PLAXIS, Itasca FLAC).
• Commitment to HDR’s employee-owned culture.

Location

Primary: Orlando, Florida (United States). Alternate: Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

EEO Statement

HDR is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.