Project Geotechnical Lead

At Stantec, we know the work we do matters. From decarbonizing mines to modernizing electric grids and building the infrastructure that fuels communities, we’re powering the world. Our clients come to us with their biggest, most complex challenges because that’s where we thrive. And we’re looking for problem solvers, high achievers, and visionaries to help us.

Join us for a chance to grow professionally at one of the world’s top design firms while building our clean energy future.

Your Opportunity

We are seeking a Geotechnical Engineer with proven experience in the evaluation and design of both small and large dams to join our Energy group in Irvine or San Diego, CA. This is a technical leadership role for someone passionate about working with multi-disciplinary teams on some of the most challenging projects in dam and hydropower engineering and rehabilitation.

The successful candidate will lead geotechnical and civil design tasks and coordinate with a team of geologists, engineers, designers, and subject matter experts across Stantec’s global network. Typical projects include design and construction of new embankment or concrete dams, major rehabilitation of existing dams, spillway and outlet works upgrades, and related appurtenant structures.

If you are motivated to design critical dam infrastructure that protects communities and supports future generations, we invite you to join our team.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical and civil design for embankment and concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, and appurtenant structures.

• Manage project teams (1–10 staff) through all phases of design, from site investigation to final deliverables, while fostering the growth and technical development of junior staff.

• Conduct and oversee design calculations and technical analyses, including seepage modeling, slope stability, deformation, and foundation evaluations, using SEEP/W, SLOPE/W, FLAC, PLAXIS, Phase2, etc.

• Develop design drawings and technical specifications for various levels of design (e.g., 30%, 60%, 90%, 100% design).

• Prepare and lead development of technical reports including Geotechnical Work Plans, Geotechnical Data Reports (GDRs), Geotechnical Baseline Reports (GBRs), technical memoranda, computation packages, feasibility studies, field reports, and other design and evaluation reports.

• Participate in FERC Part 12D reviews, Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA) workshops, and Risk Informed Decision Making (RIDM) based assessments.

• Develop familiarity with regulatory agency requirements, technical design standards, and industry standards and guidelines.

• Interface with regulatory agencies (e.g., FERC, DSOD, USACE) to support permitting and compliance.

• Support feasibility studies by identifying challenges and developing technically sound solutions.

• Provide technical input on proposals, cost estimates, and construction planning.

• Travel to project sites domestically and internationally, as needed, for investigation and reviews.

• Contribute to internal initiatives focused on knowledge sharing, innovation, and quality management.

• Support business development through client engagement, pursuits, and identification of talent.

• Adhere to company safety protocols and lead by example in planning and executing work in a safe and responsible manner.

• Stay current with evolving dam safety regulations, design tools, and risk assessment methodologies through professional engagement and ongoing training.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Demonstrated leadership on large dam projects.

• Working knowledge of the principles of civil/geotechnical engineering.

• Proficient in geotechnical software such as GeoStudio (SEEP/W, SLOPE/W), FLAC, PLAXIS, and Phase2.

• Maintain working knowledge of regulatory frameworks and design standards from DSOD, USACE, USBR, and FERC.

• Willingness to travel to project sites, both nationally and internationally.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Education and Experience

• 10 to 15 years of professional experience in geotechnical engineering.

• Minimum of 3 years dedicated to dam engineering (e.g., investigation, evaluation, design, construction).

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited university (required); Master’s degree preferred.

• PE license (required); California PE preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year of employment.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best. #FeelingEnergized

Pay Range:

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas - Min Salary $ 117,800.00 - Max Salary $ 176,800.00

• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA areas - Min Salary $ 126,400.00 - Max Salary $ 189,600.00

Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).

Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.

The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

Primary Location: United States | CA | Irvine
Organization: BC-2242 Energy-US West
Employee Status: Regular
Travel: Yes
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 30/10/2025 08:10:22
Req ID: 1002829

#additional

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.