Lead Geotechnical Engineer

PND Engineers • Anchorage, AK

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Alaska’s premier civil engineering firm, with roots and a 47-year reputation in the Last Frontier, is seeking a licensed Professional Engineer with 12 or more years in geotechnical practice to lead a small team of Anchorage-based geotechnical engineers and an on-site AASHTO soil testing laboratory. This role will support a wide variety of PND’s civil and structural engineering design projects, provide technical support and review for other PND locations, and offer day-to-day technical leadership for the geotechnical group. The position involves mentoring early- and mid-career engineers, supporting staff hiring and development, and directing various analyses and designs for diverse structures and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on foundation systems. The Lead Geotechnical Engineer will also plan and oversee geotechnical investigations, translate fieldwork and laboratory results into comprehensive reports, serve as engineer of record or senior technical reviewer, lead project teams by setting scope, schedule, and technical approach, and contribute to practice development and business development efforts. Modeling PND’s standards for clear writing, safe fieldwork, and ethical practice is essential.

Requirements

• Master of science degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a geotechnical focus. A bachelor’s degree with an exceptional record of relevant practice may be considered.
• Twelve or more years of relevant geotechnical consulting experience, including substantial responsibility for project delivery, client contact, and technical review.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Ability to obtain an Alaska PE within six months of hire is required if not already licensed in Alaska.
• Demonstrated success leading project teams and mentoring junior and mid-level staff.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills, including the ability to produce and review well-organized, clear, complete, and concise technical reports.
• Ability to occasionally travel for site visits or investigations throughout Alaska. Travel in other parts of the U.S. and Canada is possible.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and good driving record.
• Ongoing U.S. work authorization required, without need for employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cold-regions foundation design and permafrost or arctic engineering is preferred.
• Candidates will be expected to submit original writing samples for review.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of Anchorage-based geotechnical engineers and on-site AASHTO soil testing laboratory supporting a wide variety of PND’s civil and structural engineering design projects.
• Provide technical support and review for PND’s other locations in Alaska and Lower 48.
• Provide day-to-day technical leadership for the geotechnical group on assigned work.
• Mentor early- and mid-career engineers through formal review, field and office coaching, and day-to-day technical guidance.
• Support hiring and development of geotechnical staff.
• Direct and prepare geological analyses, foundation design, slope stability analysis, permafrost design, thermal analysis, seismic design, and contract documents for marine structures, arctic structures, retaining walls, soil improvement, roads, bridges, and general site civil development, with an emphasis on foundation systems.
• Plan and oversee onshore and offshore geotechnical investigations in settings ranging from urban to remote, including in frozen ground.
• Translate fieldwork and laboratory results into analyses, recommendations, and detailed technical reports that support client decisions, and review the work of others for technical quality and clarity.
• Serve as engineer of record or senior technical reviewer on assigned projects, including seal responsibility where appropriate.
• Lead project teams: set scope, schedule, and technical approach; coordinate with other disciplines; manage client expectations; and help develop fees and proposals.
• Contribute to practice development, including cold-regions methods, quality standards, staff development, and business development with existing and prospective clients.
• Model PND’s standards for clear writing, safe fieldwork, and ethical practice, including federal contracting ethics requirements where applicable.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plans
• Employer-paid dental, vision, and life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 22-25 days of paid time off and 9 paid holidays annually
• All overtime paid at 1.5x the regular hourly rate
• Discretionary bonuses
• Exceptional, employer-funded 401(k) profit-sharing retirement plan—no match required
• Opportunity for ownership within 2-5 years based on performance and employee attributes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior