Geotechnical Engineer - Hydropower & Dams

Hatch•West Mifflin, PA

About The Position

Hatch is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join its growing Geotechnical Discipline in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The role supports challenging energy projects, primarily hydropower and dams, from concept development through construction. It combines technical delivery, client engagement, and team development, with a focus on embankment dams, foundations for hydropower structures, and seismic geotechnical analysis. The position involves delivering geotechnical analyses and designs, supporting investigations and construction, preparing and reviewing technical documentation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, developing client relationships and business opportunities, and mentoring technical staff. The role may require short-term travel within the United States and internationally.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a geotechnical specialisation, or geological engineering.
Licensed, or eligible for licensure, as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the United States, subject to applicable state licensing-board requirements.
10–15 years of post-graduation geotechnical engineering experience.
Demonstrated experience in hydropower and dam projects, including embankment dams and foundations for hydropower structures.
Experience in geotechnical investigations, site characterisation, soft-soil engineering, foundation assessments, seismic and liquefaction analyses, and seepage and internal erosion assessments.
Experience supporting construction, from tender preparation through site inspections.
Working knowledge of relevant geotechnical analysis, modelling, and data-management tools, such as GeoStudio, Rocscience, LPILE, PLAXIS, gINT, Leapfrog, or OpenGround.
Experience mentoring technical staff and working within multidisciplinary teams.
Strong technical writing, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to travel within the United States and internationally for short-term assignments, as required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering or a related discipline.
Previous consulting engineering experience.
Experience with dam safety reviews.

Responsibilities

Deliver geotechnical engineering analyses and designs for hydropower, dams, and associated infrastructure.
Perform assessments involving embankment dams, slope stability, seismic response, liquefaction, foundations, seepage, internal erosion, and ground improvement.
Support geotechnical site investigations, site characterisation, and construction activities.
Prepare technical reports, drawings, specifications, and other project documentation.
Review technical documents and drawings prepared by the team.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop coordinated engineering solutions.
Build and maintain client relationships, identify opportunities in the US market, and prepare proposals for engineering services.
Mentor junior and intermediate engineers, designers, and technicians, and support the development of specialist geotechnical capabilities.