Geotechnical Team Lead

AECOM•Orange, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

AECOM’s Southwest Dams Department in Orange, California, is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Team Lead with expertise in dams and levees. The role provides technical and team leadership for major dam infrastructure projects, including dam safety evaluations, rehabilitation programs, and new dam design. The successful candidate will lead and support multidisciplinary teams working on dams, levees, spillways, outlet works, pump stations, and associated hydraulic structures. The position includes mentoring engineers, supporting business development with existing and prospective regional clients, and serving as a local technical expert in a geotechnical specialty related to dams. The role may include serving as Deputy Project Manager on major projects and representing the organization in meetings and conferences with clients and regulatory agencies. The Geotechnical Team Lead applies advanced engineering expertise to complex technical challenges and project conditions, while ensuring technical quality and safe project execution. Relocation and sponsorship are not offered. Newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office as a condition of employment. The position is based in Orange, California; local travel may be required for project support. AECOM describes its benefits as comprehensive and says they may vary according to employment status. Potential benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D and disability benefits; paid time off and leaves; voluntary benefits and perks; flexible work options; well-being resources; an employee assistance program; business travel insurance; service recognition awards; a retirement savings plan; and an employee stock purchase plan.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in Civil Engineering and 10+ years of relevant experience with dam projects, including inspection, rehabilitation, and/or design and construction, or demonstrated equivalency of education and experience.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in Civil Engineering.
Established client relationships with dam and levee owners in California.
California Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license.
20+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering related to dams and levees.
U.S. Citizenship.
Strong commitment to safe project execution and dam safety practices.
Willingness to travel locally as required for project support.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Government security clearance or ability to obtain clearance.

Responsibilities

Provide senior-level technical leadership and support to project teams on dam and levee planning, design, inspection, construction observation, and regulatory compliance.
Lead or support geotechnical design and analyses for dams, including slope stability, seepage, and seismic performance evaluations.
Manage large multidisciplinary project teams and contribute to delivery of complex dam infrastructure projects.
Lead or support project management for dam design and construction projects, including client coordination, contract management, planning, execution, and financial management; serve as Deputy Project Manager on major projects.
Oversee field exploration programs and characterization of soil and rock materials, including laboratory testing programs.
Direct teams performing slope stability and seepage analyses and developing stabilization measures for dams, levees, spillways, and related infrastructure.
Coordinate with hydrologic and hydraulic, structural engineering, and civil design teams on dam and spillway projects.
Support or lead dam construction oversight and field observation during rehabilitation or new construction.
Perform and review seismic stability and deformation analyses, including evaluation of earthquake ground motions, liquefaction potential, and earthquake-induced deformations.
Oversee technical reports, independent dam safety inspections, and potential failure mode analyses (PFMA).
Support business development by identifying opportunities, strengthening relationships with dam and levee owners, and contributing to proposals.
Ensure quality and technical excellence of project deliverables through reviews and oversight.
Mentor and support the technical development of junior and mid-level engineers.
Perform Independent Technical Reviews (ITR) for dam-related projects.
Serve as a local technical expert within a geotechnical specialty related to dams.
Stay informed about industry developments, regulatory requirements, and best practices related to dam engineering and safety.
Interpret, organize, and coordinate complex engineering assignments; make independent technical decisions and represent the organization in meetings and conferences with clients and regulatory agencies.
Apply advanced engineering knowledge and experience to resolve complex technical challenges and unique project conditions.