Geotechnical Engineering Specialist (271)

Job Title: Geotechnical Engineering Specialist
Work Location: Reston, VA

Project Information:
A global company headquartered in Reston, VA and engaged in the engineering, procurement, and construction of large-scale projects such as fossil and nuclear power plants, renewable energy, infrastructure (motorways, airports, etc.), processing facilities, multi-faceted chemical complexes, refineries, and pipelines.

As a major contractor engaged in design and construction of large-scale projects in the U.S. and overseas, we have delivered projects in some of the most challenging ground conditions; thus, it is looking to add to its staff experienced geotechnical engineers seeking challenging projects requiring geotechnical investigation program development and execution, design of complex ground improvement systems, deep foundation design and installation, advanced finite element modelling for geotechnical analysis, and other geotechnical-related project activities. Projects may be in the US or other countries.

We invite qualified engineers looking for opportunities to join our team to help deliver the most challenging projects in the world.

Position Overview:
This position is for a Geotechnical Engineering Specialist who will perform geotechnical activities for one or more projects, and originate/check analytical calculations and numerical modelling, specifications, and reports (including licensing documents). The successful candidate will report to the Geotechnical Engineering Manager or their designee, but they can also be assigned to one project. The successful candidate is expected to be able to work independently and must have strong organisational and teamwork skills, proven problem-solving abilities, a can-do attitude, and the desire to innovate designs. The selected candidate will be expected to travel to job sites and client offices in the U.S. and overseas for periods of time ranging from a few days to several months. In addition, it will be required that the candidate have excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and embrace diversity, equity & inclusion, leadership, quality, and safety values.

Responsibilities:
This role will require site visits (in the U.S.) during geotechnical investigations, review of site and subsurface geotechnical investigations data, originate/review geotechnical engineering designs and specifications, and originate/review geotechnical studies for multiple projects in accordance with applicable procedures, codes, standards, and contract requirements. The work will require attending meetings and coordinating with other geotechnical engineers, other technical disciplines and/or client engineers in a team environment. Meetings could be held virtually, or in person in the U.S. and overseas.


Responsibilities include the scope described below.:

• Geotechnical design parameters for soil and/or rock supported foundations
• Bearing capacity and settlement calculations
• Soil liquefaction assessments and mitigation
• Ground improvement design and installation
• Pile design and installation
• Foundation settlement analysis
• Soil and/or rock slope stability analyses
• Soil and/or rock excavations support calculations
• Engineering specifications including earthworks, piling, ground improvement, soil and/or rock excavation support, etc.
• Technical memo, study, and report writing (including licensing documents)
• Vendor submittal review and integration into the design solution
• Budget and schedule tracking and quality compliance
• Coordination with other technical disciplines in planning and executing work as an integrated team
• Technical support of more junior geotechnical engineers

Basic Qualifications:

• An M.S. degree in Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited university or college and minimum 8 years of progressive related experience or a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering and minimum 6 years of progressive related experience
• Relevant experience includes, but is not limited to, performing site and subsurface geotechnical investigations, geotechnical engineering designs and specifications, and originating/reviewing geotechnical calculations and studies for power plants, infrastructure, industrial process facilities or complex building systems, etc.
• Hands-on experience with industry standard geotechnical software and computational tools
• Right to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Minimum Qualifications:
• Experience with Microsoft office programs, and other common computer programs
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to utilise engineering and office automation tools effectively.
• Knowledge of the application of geotechnical engineering design principles.
• Professional Engineer in U.S. (Geotechnical or related Engineering).
• Knowledge of site and subsurface investigation, development of engineering properties of soil and rock, foundation design and analysis, foundation analysis under dynamic loads and earthworks
• Knowledge of pile installation and testing, numerical analysis using FEM and FDM, soil and/or rock slope stability and construction specifications
• Knowledge of industry codes and standards, including those related to the nuclear industry
• Preferred Qualifications:
• PhD degree in Geotechnical or related Engineering from an accredited university.
• Knowledge of soil liquefaction analysis and construction dewatering
• Experience working with procedures meeting quality assurance programs (including nuclear) and occupational health and safety
• Experience with licensing, design, and construction of commercial nuclear power plants
• Knowledge of pile design, installation and testing for PV solar projects
• Prior experience working on large industrial or civil infrastructure projects
• Demonstrable engagement with professional societies, membership in technical/code committees, publications and presentations

About Environmental and Safety Solutions, Inc.:

Environmental and Safety Solutions Inc. (ESS Inc.) is a Cincinnati based certified MBE. Since 2002, ESS Inc. has been providing health and safety, engineering, environmental technical and management services to businesses throughout the United States. We work with businesses from Fortune 500 members to small businesses in the local community, providing world class occupational safety and health consultative services and environmental compliance assistance. Our customers value our personal attention to their needs and the accuracy and flexibility of our services to meet their unique needs. As President and Founder of ESS, Lonnie Grayson brings more than 25 years of professional environmental safety and health leadership to the company. He founded ESS Inc. in 2002 and has grown the firm into a nationally recognized industry leader. With a professional background as a mechanical engineer, Mr. Grayson knows the value of a safety and health program that focuses on the processes that drive the safety and health process in a company to achieve great results. We understand the need for partnership with our customers to fully understand their needs and the culture of each customer to meet and exceed their occupational safety, health and environmental compliance needs.