Trenchless Engineer

HDR; Pasco (WA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Trenchless Engineer to join their national Trenchless Services team. The role includes significant professional growth opportunities and responsibilities in design, construction, and project management related to trenchless technology. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in trenchless methods, strong interpersonal skills, and flexibility for field assignments. The target salary range is $125,000 - $150,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in consulting/engineering.
• Experience with HDD, microtunneling, or Direct Pipe.
• Strong team-oriented skills and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Perform desktop route selection and evaluate feasibility.
• Carry out site reconnaissance visits.
• Develop a subsurface investigation program.

Skills

Microsoft Office applications

Vertical Directional Drilling

Microtunneling

Remote work environment experience

Excellent writing skills

Strong computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Professional Engineer license

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

MicroStation

GeoStudio

Bentley suite of software

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Trenchless Engineer role at HDR.

HDR is looking for a Trenchless Engineer to join our national Trenchless Services team. This role will provide significant opportunity for professional growth and development. The Trenchless Engineer will report to the Trenchless Services Engineering Lead, with primary responsibilities supporting the execution of design and field services associated with trenchless services: engineering, design and construction applications.

The Trenchless Engineer will contribute to the Trenchless Program by utilizing their experience and expertise to support engineering and design practices, including hydraulic fracture and inadvertent returns analyses, front end information collection initiatives (e.g., geotechnical investigation programs and survey coordination for incorporation into critical engineering and design decisions and constructability evaluations), evaluating feasibility of trenchless design and construction, and making recommendations for mitigation as needed throughout the lifecycle of trenchless projects (planning through construction). Data management, quality control of design and construction data, planning, and risk management for supporting all trenchless initiatives are also included in the primary responsibilities. The Trenchless Engineer will manage the execution of the full Trenchless suite of services for all-inclusive projects or as a component to a larger project that includes Trenchless installations. As a licensed Professional Engineer, they will be expected to review, stamp and seal Trenchless project related deliverables. The Trenchless Engineer will interface with clients and may take on a project management role on Trenchless projects as assigned. Travel to support field-based assignments may be required, with frequency and duration depending on workload.

Field-based responsibilities include site reconnaissance and oversight of trenchless pipeline installations. While in the field, the Trenchless Engineer will monitor and report daily activities and present field data in a timely manner with a high level of quality. Regular communication with the Trenchless Services Team is required for projects at hand.

Responsibilities

• Perform desk top route selection and evaluate feasibility for design and construction of trenchless crossings.
• Carry out site reconnaissance visits.
• Develop a subsurface investigation program for feasibility of construction for trenchless installation methods.
• Evaluate surface and subsurface conditions to determine feasibility of trenchless construction and preferred construction techniques.
• Interface with discipline leads and production staff to support development of trenchless design deliverables.
• Communicate with clients regarding project status and technical discussions related to trenchless construction applications.
• Estimate quantities of materials and disposal for trenchless installations; estimate installation loading and stress for trenchless installations.
• Assess the application of trenchless technologies (HDD, microtunneling, tunneling, Direct Pipe, etc.) and participate in method selection.
• Perform calculations to determine carrier pipe and coating specifications.
• Define workspace requirements for construction equipment at trenchless crossing locations.
• Prepare and/or review project documentation including design/construction specifications, bid packages, drawings, design reports, engineering assessments, and data sets.
• Build knowledge and use software models for trenchless pipeline design.
• Interface with project team members outside of the Trenchless Team on multidisciplinary projects.
• Develop permit application documents and drawings.
• Understand applicable industry standards and governing codes relevant to market sectors (Oil and Gas, Water/Wastewater, Power, etc.).
• Ensure documents and calculations are compliant with project legislation and standards.
• Prepare field engineering and as-built documents.
• Contribute to updating department standards and procedures and capture lessons learned from projects.
• Support HDR’s PMO processes and align with client project delivery goals.
• Establish and execute workflow delivery for Trenchless engineering, design, subcontracted services, and construction applications.
• Procure, manage, and coordinate with subconsultants providing services to Trenchless projects.
• Perform construction oversight and/or observation in the field, reporting daily activities and recommending solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in consulting/engineering, preferably with Horizontal Directional Drilling, microtunneling, and/or Direct Pipe.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Experience in AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Experience in remote work environment and trenchless construction methods.
• Team oriented with accountability and reliability.
• Strong writing and computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel).
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and able to work autonomously with frequent communication with distributed team members.
• Time management and accountability for work ethic; excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Travel required; frequency and duration depend on project needs and may be extensive.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license as recognized by the licensing board for the position location.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications; MicroStation or similar software
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage and deep foundation analysis
• Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
• Active participation in HDR’s employee-owned culture

What We Believe

HDR is our company. We build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we create an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. HDR supports eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) to foster belonging. We offer a comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, life insurance, EAP, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, retirement savings with employer match, referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. Salary ranges depend on experience and location; the target range for this role is $125,000 - $150,000.

Primary Location: United States-Georgia-Atlanta

Other Locations: United States-Various Locations across the U.S. (see posting)

Industry: Industrial

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Job Posting: Sep 18, 2025

At HDR, we are 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.