Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Dams)

Company Description

How will you make your mark?

At AECOM, our work in providing access to clean water enables communities to thrive and ecosystems to flourish, contributing to a resilient future. As a global leader in infrastructure consulting, we are at the forefront of significant water projects, with over 6,000 of the industry’s best minds driving innovation and technical excellence. Together, we develop solutions that are not only best in the world, but best for the world.     

Dams: With a proud history spanning over 85 years and thousands of successful projects, our expertise in dam and reservoir engineering is unmatched. From feasibility studies to design, construction, and maintenance, we cover every aspect of the process, ensuring the longevity and safety of critical water infrastructure. As part of our team, you'll contribute to our legacy, bringing innovative solutions to life and making a meaningful impact on global water resources.  

Job Description

AECOM’s Mountain Division is actively seeking a highly motivated Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Dams) to join the Denver, Colorado Geotechnical team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on challenging dam and hydropower projects and collaborate with a wide range of different engineering disciplines and industry professionals.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and perform comprehensive subsurface investigations including drilling on federal, state, municipal, and privately owned dams as well as managing CPT and geophysical data investigations, test pits, borrow area evaluations, and monitoring and performance instrumentation installations in the western US region.
• Plan, perform, and manage complex and dynamic field exploration programs, material characterization, and laboratory testing of soil and rock materials.
• Oversee and perform geotechnical analyses which include material characterization, seepage, slope stability, settlement, liquefaction, and deformation.
• Prepare geotechnical engineering reports and recommendations including geotechnical data, analyses, and design-related reports.
• Prepare and present technical presentations to project teams, clients, federal, state, and municipal regulators, and independent technical review boards.
• Review and understanding of regulatory guidelines and industry standards necessary to conduct technical studies and carry out project design and permitting work on dams.
• Participate in dam safety inspections and prepare summary reports with recommendations of findings.
• Oversee and perform inspections of construction activities to monitor progress and assess conformance to engineering plans, specifications, and construction standards.
• Prepare and/or perform peer review of calculations, designs, specifications, and construction documents.
• Develop, oversee, and understand health and safety plans and requirements for field investigations, dam safety inspections, and construction oversight.
• Review engineering reports, calculations, and documentation prepared by junior staff.
• Perform quality, detailed, and accurate work by applying AECOM’s QA/QC standards to their own work and work of the project team.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil / Geotechnical Engineering plus eight (8) years of related experience with dams or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or ability to gain one within 6 months of hire
• Due to the nature of this work, a valid U.S Driver’s License is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Civil Engineering
• 15+ years or more of experience with relevant dam experience
• Experience in dam investigations, and design and evaluation (e.g., material characterization, liquefaction, seepage, slope stability, deformation, and settlement analyses)
• Experience with 100% design-level reporting and issue for construction drawings and specifications
• Experience leading tasks with effective delegation skills
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork out of state

Additional Information

• Relocation is available for this role
• This position will accept applications through the end of 2025. Candidates may or may not be contacted during this time.
• AECOM is interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States
• Permanent residency sponsorship is available for current H1-B visa holders in the United States

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.