LUT- Principal Geotechnical Engineer

McDermott•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Principal Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for addressing unique and complex technical challenges with significant impact on business outcomes. This position demands proactive problem-solving and innovative thinking to develop creative solutions for geotechnical challenges in subsea oil and gas projects. The role influences project direction, resource allocation and technical strategies within the discipline, operating under general function policies and industry guidelines. Experience working with SURF Contractor is essential to be considered for the role

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering preferred.
Minimum 10 years of experience in subsea/offshore oil and gas projects with major contractors or consultants, primarily in detailed design.
Comprehensive knowledge of design techniques, analysis methods, and application of relevant standards, codes, and guidelines.
Strong project coordination and execution skills.
Proficient in geotechnical calculations, reporting, and documentation; familiar with standards such as API-RP-2GEO, DNV-RP-F114, ISO-19901-4.
Skilled in numerical analysis using Plaxis 2D/3D, SLOPE/W; experience with ABAQUS is advantageous.
Proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to resolve complex geotechnical issues and provide innovative solutions.

Nice To Haves

Chartered Engineer status with a recognized professional body (e.g., ICE) preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform conceptual, FEED, and detailed analyses and designs in accordance with design basis, project specifications, codes, and standards.
Apply advanced technical expertise and broad business knowledge to resolve complex and non-standard issues.
Prepare accurate and detailed design calculations, analyses, reports, and procedures.
Collaborate with structural, pipeline, installation, and other engineering disciplines to provide geotechnical input to multi-disciplinary project teams.
Deliver high-quality work demonstrating deep geotechnical knowledge and experience.
Prepare technical reports, specifications, and geotechnical calculations.
Develop scopes of work for geotechnical and geophysical surveys in shallow and deepwater fields, including laboratory testing programs for subsea pipelines and structures.
Interpret geotechnical survey data and derive design soil parameters.
Conduct geohazard assessments to support field layout and pipeline routing.
Design shallow and deep foundations for subsea structures (e.g., PLET, ILT, PLEM).
Perform pipe-soil interaction assessments for surface-laid and buried pipelines.
Assess trenching requirements and design rock berms.
Conduct seismic slope stability and liquefaction analyses.
Provide geohazard risk mitigation recommendations.
Lead the Geotechnical team to deliver assigned work within schedule, budget, and quality standards, in compliance with McDermott and project-specific procedures.
Plan, organise and manage all aspects of geotechnical scope, deliverables, schedule, and manpower resources in coordination with the Functional Manager.
Ensure clear definition of interfaces and deliverables.
Monitor progress and productivity, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
Represent the Geotechnical discipline in meetings with project teams, clients, certifying authorities, auditors, and third parties.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and share expertise across the department.