Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Universal Engineering Sciences•Springdale, AR

About The Position

UES is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to provide technical leadership, manage complex projects, and help grow its geotechnical engineering practice across the Midwest. The role involves solving challenging engineering problems, developing client relationships, mentoring engineers, and contributing to business growth. Remote or hybrid arrangements may be available depending on location and business needs, with a preference for candidates in the Midwest within reasonable commuting distance of a UES branch. Periodic in-person collaboration, client meetings, project support, and travel throughout the Midwest may be required. The Senior Geotechnical Engineer serves as a senior technical resource on projects involving infrastructure, transportation, energy, and commercial development. The position oversees investigations, engineering analyses, foundation evaluations, and design recommendations; reviews and approves technical deliverables; manages project teams and performance; supports client development and proposals; and mentors engineering staff. The role also contributes to technical standards and best practices and promotes safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Travel is approximately up to 20% of the time and may be scheduled or on short notice. Work is primarily outdoors and can involve field locations, job sites, and operational environments. Conditions may include rugged, uneven terrain, noise, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and changing weather. The position requires regular physical activity, including lifting and carrying 35 to 75 pounds over distances up to 75 feet, and using laboratory and field equipment. PPE and compliance with company safety protocols are required during travel and on-site work.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
At least 8 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
Significant experience providing technical leadership and delivering complex projects.
Strong technical knowledge of subsurface investigations, foundation engineering, geotechnical analysis, and engineering design.
Expertise in advanced geotechnical modeling, soil-structure interaction, and ground improvement technologies.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate teams, and deliver high-quality technical work.
Proven record of managing large-scale, complex projects.
Experience developing client relationships, supporting proposals, and contributing to business growth.
Strong communication, negotiation, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate with engineering and operational teams across multiple locations.
Ability to travel extensively for client and project needs; travel is described as approximately up to 20% of the time.
Ability to meet the physical demands of field and laboratory work, including lifting and carrying 35 to 75 pounds over distances up to 75 feet, and standing, walking, driving, and operating equipment for extended periods.
Ability to work outdoors in rugged terrain and varying weather, and to use PPE in field and laboratory environments.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline; a master's degree is strongly preferred in the qualifications section.
Experience serving as Engineer of Record or senior technical reviewer.
Background supporting large-scale infrastructure, transportation, energy, or complex commercial projects.
Established professional relationships within the Midwest engineering and construction market.
Experience mentoring engineers and supporting technical practice development.
Active participation in professional organizations such as ASCE, DFI, or Geo-Institute.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical expert on complex geotechnical engineering projects.
Lead multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate geotechnical input for infrastructure, transportation, energy, and commercial projects.
Oversee geotechnical investigations, engineering analyses, foundation evaluations, and design recommendations.
Develop innovative, practical, cost-effective, and sustainable geotechnical design solutions for challenging site conditions.
Manage project budgets, schedules, resources, quality, and overall performance.
Review and approve geotechnical reports, specifications, calculations, engineering analyses, and other project deliverables.
Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and industry partners.
Lead proposal efforts and negotiations for major contracts and support business development.
Identify opportunities to expand UES's geotechnical services throughout the Midwest.
Mentor, train, and develop junior and mid-level engineers and support knowledge sharing and engineering best practices.
Collaborate with branch leadership to strengthen technical capabilities and support long-term growth.
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and professional associations.
Contribute to company-wide technical standards, research initiatives, and best practices.
Promote safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality control procedures.