Civil Engineer, Senior Civil Engineer, Staff Civil Engineer

Position: Civil Engineer

Location: Warm Springs, VA

Terms: Direct Hire

Pay Rate: Competitive, based on experience

We are seeking a Civil/Geotechnical Engineer to support a major pumped storage hydroelectric power station in Warm Springs, VA. This role will lead and support all aspects of the site’s geotechnical engineering and dam safety program, ensuring the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of critical infrastructure including high‑pressure tunnels, drainage systems, dams, and civil structures.

This position may be filled at the Engineer, Senior Engineer, or Staff Engineer level based on experience and technical expertise.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals passionate about dam safety, hydroelectric power, slope stability analysis, underground structures, and FERC‑regulated environments who want to work in a highly collaborative, safety‑driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support geotechnical engineering and dam safety programs
• Perform and oversee civil structure, tunnel, and dam safety inspections
• Conduct slope stability analyses (cut slopes, embankments, sediment ponds) using hand calculations and engineering software
• Oversee instrumentation programs, data collection, and technical analysis
• Develop maintenance, repair, and remediation plans
• Prepare and support regulatory reporting (FERC compliance)
• Review and contribute to Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
• Develop instrumentation and equipment specifications
• Provide engineering support to operations and maintenance teams
• Serve as a subject matter expert in civil/geotechnical engineering and hydro infrastructure
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff (Senior/Staff levels)
• Perform field work in rugged terrain, underground tunnels, and plant environments

This role combines hands‑on field engineering, technical analysis, regulatory engagement, and leadership development.

Required Skills/Education

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required)
• Strongly preferred: Civil Engineering with focus in Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrology/Hydraulics, or Dam Engineering
• Degree must meet ABET or Washington Accord accreditation standards as outlined in engineering qualification requirements

Professional Credentials (Preferred)

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
• Ability to obtain PE by reciprocity in Virginia preferred
• Valid driver’s license required

Experience Requirements

• Engineer:
  • 2+ years of relevant civil or geotechnical engineering experience
  • Knowledge of engineering fundamentals, slope stability, and structural evaluation
  • Ability to perform engineering analysis and technical reporting
  • Familiarity with hydrogeology principles
  • Exposure to dam safety or FERC‑regulated environments preferred
• Senior Engineer:
  • 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Advanced knowledge of civil/geotechnical engineering principles
  • Experience leading projects or serving as technical lead
  • Strong project management and analytical skills
  • Demonstrated experience performing engineering calculations using industry software
  • Experience with dam safety programs and regulatory compliance preferred
• Staff Engineer:
  • 8+ years of progressive engineering experience
  • Recognized technical expert in civil/geotechnical engineering
  • Extensive experience with dam safety, FERC‑regulated facilities, and hydro infrastructure
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and cross‑functional collaboration skills
  • Proven ability to solve complex engineering challenges independently

Technical & Functional Competencies

• Dam Safety & FERC Compliance
• Geotechnical Engineering & Hydrogeology
• Slope Stability Analysis
• Civil Infrastructure Inspection
• Underground & Tunnel Engineering
• Instrumentation & Monitoring Systems
• Emergency Action Planning
• Engineering Calculations & Technical Reporting
• Regulatory Documentation
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Planning

Work Environment

• Combination of office (50–75%) and field work (25–50%)
• Work in confined spaces, underground tunnels, elevated structures, and near water
• Outdoor fieldwork in rugged terrain
• Exposure to plant operating environments including noise, dust, and industrial equipment
• Trav