Technical Director of Geotechnical Engineering

WSP in the U.S.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Technical Director of Geotechnical Engineering for the Charlotte, NC office. You will lead the CGEM team, engage with clients, mentor staff, and oversee complex geotechnical projects across power, commercial, transportation, and water markets with technical excellence.

You will apply advanced geotechnical knowledge to site investigations, foundation design, earthquake engineering, and regulation compliance, while managing budgets and ensuring high-quality deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical emphasis; Master’s/Doctorate is a plus.
• 15+ years of engineering experience in a corporate environment.
• Professional engineering license in North Carolina or ability to obtain within six months.
• Strong knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles, practices, design and regulatory compliance.
• Proficient in technical writing, design software, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the CGEM team and drive project execution.
• Engage with clients to grow the business and secure partnerships.
• Mentor staff and lead project teams through complex investigations and designs.
• Oversee budgets, schedules, and QA/QC to ensure quality and profitability.
• Represent the firm in meetings, reviews, and regulatory discussions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Project management

Client engagement

Technical writing

QA/QC

Team mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical focus)

Master’s Degree or Doctorate in Geotechnical Engineering a plus

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a

Job Description

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Technical Director of Geotechnical Engineering for our Civil, Geotechnical Engineering and Materials (CGEM) team based in our Charlotte, NC office. In this role you will provide leadership and expertise for the CGEM team; building our business through client engagement and partnerships, developing our team through mentoring and project leadership, and managing and supporting projects in the power, commercial, transportation, and water markets with technical excellence. You will serve as a technical professional and/or leader for in-depth investigations of the geologic profile, seismicity, surface ruptures, voids, slope stability, aquifers, excavation design, and foundation design. Responsible for SME innovation and administration; ensuring corporate compliance with all Local, State, and Federal environmental and safety regulations; and providing direction to address current and future environmental challenges in a rapidly changing and complex business climate.

Your Impact

• Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the scientific discipline and function, offering direction, expertise, and support to ensure project and work site deliverables are successfully achieved within the business sector.
• Actively foster compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local environmental laws, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide senior-level review and apply advanced geotechnical engineering knowledge to projects involving site exploration, permit applications, instrumentation, foundation engineering, earthquake engineering, concept and feasibility studies, and detailed engineering design.
• Lead geotechnical engineering projects, prepare and oversee project budgets and schedules, ensure satisfactory financial performance and technical quality, lead technical aspects of contract negotiation, presentations, and meetings, and supervise subcontractors. Perform periodic construction observation or site visits to ensure that projects comply with design requirements, applicable regulations, and sound engineering practice.
• Meet with client representatives to discuss issues relating to a variety of engineering and construction challenges and programs.
• Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development. Manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical Engineering focus or closely related engineering discipline; Master’s Degree or Doctorate in Geotechnical Engineering a plus
• 15+ years of Engineer experience in a corporate environment.
• Professional engineering license in North Carolina, or ability to become licensed within six months.
• Advanced proficiency with geotechnical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, standard of care, and the application to project work-related issues.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant engineering and construction codes,laws, regulations, permitting, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements, and the business impact upon the organization.
• Works independently and provides guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Experienced with providing critical review for documents and preparing technical deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity. Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, and statistical analysis, and arriving at effective, economical, and logical solutions.
• Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Strong ability to quickly adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility to a variety of schedules and hours to meet business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project requirements.
• Successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.