Principal Geotechnical Engineer - job 1 of 4

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At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to be based in Denver, CO.

• Plan and oversee field exploration/characterization and laboratory testing of soil and rock materials.
• Oversee teams performing material characterization, seepage and slope stability analyses and designing slope stabilization measures for dams and spillways.
• Oversee teams performing seismic stability and deformations analyses of dams; including earthquake ground motions, liquefaction potential (static and seismic), and earthquake-induced and fault-induced deformations.
• Preparing and presenting technical presentations to project team, clients, regulators, and technical review boards.
• Supervise preparation of technical reports, independent dam safety inspections, and potential failure mode analyses.
• Conducting potential failure mode analyses and risk analyses for water storage and hydropower dams, including identifying and developing potential failure modes, and serving as subject matter expert in risk analysis workshops.
• Project Management – tracking scope, schedule and budget.
• Mentoring and technical development of junior staff, supporting them to achieve technical success
• Review engineering reports and documentation prepared by junior staff.
• Perform Independent Technical Reviews and ensure the quality of project deliverables.

Minimum Requirements·  

• Bachelors degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering + 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education 
• Professional Engineer (PE) license 
• Due to the nature of this work, a valid U.S Driver’s License is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s OR PhD in Civil Engineering or related field of study
• 20+ years or more of relevant experience
• Experience in dam design and evaluation (e.g., material characterization, liquefaction, seepage, slope stability, and settlement analyses)
• Familiarity with design reports, drawings, and specifications
• Experience leading tasks with effective delegation skills.
• Experience with GeoStudio (SEEP/W and SLOPE/W), UTEXAS4, Grapher, FLAC/FLAC3D and AutoCAD
• Experience working on risk analysis projects.
• Business development for new and existing clients, prepare engineering services proposals, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Must be a resourceful, highly organized professional with attention to people and detail.
• Strong commitment to ensuring safe project execution.

• Local travel required.
• Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this position.
• Due to the nature of this work, qualified applicants who are offered a position may have to pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
• Relocation is available for this role.

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.