Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Mott MacDonald•Seattle, WA

21h•$148,000 - $181,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Mott MacDonald is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their Ground Engineering team and strengthen their geotechnical capabilities for major infrastructure programs in the Pacific Northwest. This role, based in Seattle (hybrid), is a senior, client-facing position focused on supporting both design delivery and owner's advisory work on complex, large-scale transportation and civil infrastructure projects. The engineer will play a central role in delivering major underground and surface infrastructure, working alongside owner organizations as an embedded advisor on projects involving tunnels, underground stations, elevated structures, and at-grade assets in challenging ground conditions. The position also involves contributing to geotechnical design work, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and offers exposure to long-term regional programs and complex delivery environments, combining hands-on technical input with strategic project support. The role includes line management and mentorship responsibilities with a pathway to Principal level.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
WA / OR PE license (or ability to obtain via reciprocity).
10+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong track record on major infrastructure projects.
Proven experience in geotechnical design for complex infrastructure, including underground works and geostructures.
Experience working with public sector agencies in Washington and/or Oregon, with a demonstrated understanding of local codes and delivery frameworks.
Ability to operate in a client-facing or advisory capacity within project or program environments.
Strong technical grounding in soil and rock mechanics, geotechnical analysis, and ground-structure interaction.
Proficiency with industry-standard software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, RS2/RS3, Civil 3D, BIM tools).
Experience leading technical delivery, managing risk, and contributing to project outcomes.
Strong communication and leadership skills, including mentoring and team development experience.
Authorized to work for any employer in the US; Mott MacDonald is unable to provide sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Lead geotechnical analysis and design across all stages of project delivery, including foundations, excavations, retaining systems, slopes, embankments, ground improvement, and underground works.
Provide technical leadership on complex geotechnical challenges, ensuring solutions are robust, efficient, and constructible.
Support owner’s advisory services, including oversight of design, construction, and geotechnical risk management.
Coordinate geotechnical inputs across multidisciplinary teams, aligning with project requirements, standards, and stakeholder expectations.
Review calculations, reports, and design deliverables to ensure quality and compliance.
Support the development and interpretation of geotechnical data, including instrumentation and monitoring programs.
Engage with clients, agencies, and stakeholders to support delivery and strengthen working relationships.
Contribute to proposals and business development activities across the region.
Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing.
Promote a strong health, safety, and engineering culture.