Principal Geotechnical Engineer (Dams and Levees) - job 1 of 2

How will you make your mark?

We’re proud to share that we’ve been named the world’s top design firm by Engineering News-Record. In addition to moving up one spot to No. 1 overall, our top rankings were also reaffirmed in our key sectors — General Building, Transportation, and Water.

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.

Infrastructure investments are growing and your bold ideas and important expertise have never been more crucial. Join our dynamic team, where innovation, career growth, and collaboration are celebrated. Enjoy the freedom to grow with customizable career paths, water-specific technical and professional development and the potential to contribute to transformational projects worldwide.

Discover your #H2Opportunity

The AECOM Southwest Dams Department in Orange, California office has an immediate need for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer with focus in Dams/Levees to take on a leadership role in our geotechnical engineering practice. The candidate will have the opportunity to direct/manage projects for a variety of Dam facilities and associated appurtenances related to the Dam including spillways, outlet towers, pump stations, etc. and coordinate with a broad range of other disciplines within AECOM.

The candidate should have a high level of technical expertise and experience in supervising and training staff in geotechnical investigations, analyses, reporting, and construction observation. Business development for existing and new clients will be an integral part of the position.

Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• ​Providing technical support to Project Managers, including design, analysis, inspection, construction observation, and regulatory compliance activities associated with a variety of dams.
• Manage large multi-disciplinary design teams and finances on large Dam projects
• Providing project management support (client management, contract management, planning and execution, financial management, etc.) to dams Project Managers as a Deputy Project Manager.
• Oversee field exploration/characterization and laboratory testing of soil and rock materials.
• Oversee teams performing slope stability and seepage analyses and designing slope stabilization measures for dams, spillways, and/or levees.
• Coordinate/oversee teams performing hydrology and hydraulic analyses, structural design, and civil design for dams and spillways.
• Dam construction oversight.
• Experience in Dam analysis and design including seismic stability and deformation analyses of dams; including earthquake ground motions, liquefaction potential, and earthquake-induced and fault-induced deformations.
• Supervise preparation of technical reports, independent dam safety inspections, and potential failure mode analyses.
• Business development in identifying new clients and build relationships with existing clients to continue increasing the existing backlog.
• Ability to work independently, self-motivated and team player
• Experience identifying pursuits and prepare proposals with support from marketing team  
• Ensure the quality of project deliverables.
• Mentoring and technical development of junior to mid-level staff.
• Perform Independent Technical Reviews.
• Local expert on providing technical leadership in a specialty area, often for a district. 
• Keeps informed of new developments and requirements affecting the organization for the purpose of recommending changes in programs and applications. 
• Interprets, organizes, executes and coordinates assignments. 
• Makes decisions independently on technical problems and methods, and represents the organization in conferences to resolve important questions and to plan and coordinate work. 
• Applies advanced or state-of-the-art knowledge and experience to resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions. The knowledge and expertise required for this level of work usually results from progressive experience. 

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS Degree in Civil Engineering and 10+ years or more of relevant experience with Dam projects including inspection, rehabilitation and/or new design and construction and or demonstrated equivalency of experience and or education
• Professional Engineer’s (PE) license
• Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Civil Engineering
• Client relationships with Dam/Levee owners in California.
• Geotechnical California GE registration
• 20 years or more of experience
• US Citizen
• Strong commitment to ensuring safe project execution
• Local travel required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Government Security clearance is a plus.

• Relocation is not offered for this role
• Sponsorship is not offered for this position now, or in the tuture.

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.