Geotechnical Engineering Lead

Requisition ID: 295343  

• Relocation Authorized: National - Family  
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project  
• Work Location: Various Work Locations USA

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments . They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report . 

Project Overview:

We are building high performing teams to deliver complex EPC heavy civil project and looking for motivated, hands-on, collaborative innovators, doers, and problem solvers. The projects are hydro power generation with scopes including roadway development, significant structures including dams, spillways, tunnel waterways, inlet/outlet structures, hydromechanical equipment, mechanical and electrical systems, and site facilities and buildings. This is your opportunity to be part of history making projects.

Job Summary:

The Geotechnical Engineering Lead is the senior site-based geological and geotechnical authority for the Project. The role provides on-site leadership, technical decision-making, and real-time geological input during detailed design and construction of underground and surface works. The position serves as the primary interface between engineering geology, construction, design, and project management, ensuring geological risks are recognized, communicated, and managed in accordance with the project’s baselined ground conditions and project procedures.
This role requires extensive experience in underground works, strong judgment, and the ability to operate autonomously in a construction environment.

Major Responsibilities:

• Working with the project owner and our design partners to coordinate and witness an updated ground investigation programme.
• Facilitate the update of the project ground model and Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR) that will inform the detailed design and construction planning.
• Support the design and construction teams in finalizing the design and construction. This will include working closely with the project owner, owner’s engineer, and our design subcontractors.
• Serve as the senior on-site geological/geotechnical representative for the project, providing authoritative interpretation of ground conditions encountered during construction.
• Support construction of underground caverns, shafts, tunnels, and surface excavations through face mapping, rock mass characterization, and observational method implementation as applicable.
• Compare observed conditions against Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR) expectations and support timely escalation, documentation, and resolution of ground condition issues.
• Provide geological input to construction means and methods reviews without prescribing contractor methods, consistent with EPC risk allocation.
• Interface closely with construction management, field engineering, and safety teams to support safe excavation and support installation.
• Coordinate with the home-office engineering geology and geotechnical engineering teams to ensure alignment with design intent and baselines.
• Support resolution of RFIs, field change notices, nonconformances, and claims-related technical evaluations associated with ground conditions.
• Review and comment on excavation support performance, groundwater behavior, and ground response based on field observations and instrumentation trends.
• Participate in daily coordination meetings, technical reviews, and safety-in-design and constructability workshops.
• Mentor site-based geology and field engineering staff and promote Bechtel’s safety, quality, and ethical standards.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• MS in Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in engineering geology, including significant experience on large underground infrastructure projects (hydropower, pumped storage, tunnels, caverns, or mining).

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience providing on-site geological support during construction.
• Strong understanding of rock mass characterization systems, geological mapping, and groundwater conditions in hard rock environments.
• Familiarity with EPC project delivery, GBRs, and contractual risk allocation related to ground conditions.
• Strong communication skills with ability to convey geological risk clearly to non-geologists.
• Willingness and ability to remain on-site for extended periods in a construction environment.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to  View email address on us.fitly.work