Water Resource Design Engineer (Geotechnical)

Freese and Nichols • New Orleans, LA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Freese and Nichols is hiring a Water Resource Design Engineer in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a focus on geotechnical design for heavy civil and water resources infrastructure. The engineer will contribute to projects involving dams, levees, flood protection systems, pump stations, and coastal infrastructure, applying technical expertise and working with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical solutions that protect communities and strengthen critical infrastructure.

The role includes geotechnical engineering analysis and design, assessment of subsurface data and design alternatives, and preparation of calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical reports. It also supports engineering studies, field investigations, construction-phase services, and coordination with clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other engineering disciplines. The position manages assigned tasks within project scopes, schedules, and budgets and contributes to technical quality reviews.

The position is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, with travel of approximately 20–30% between Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. Freese and Nichols describes its work environment as hybrid, with up to 40% remote work. The company has more than 1,400 employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Engineer Intern (EI) registration or equivalent Engineer-in-Training (EIT) credential.
• At least 3 years of related engineering experience with a BS degree, or at least 2 years with an MS degree.
• Experience applying engineering analysis, design principles, and independent judgment to geotechnical, water resources, or heavy civil engineering projects, including exposure to soft, compressible, or otherwise challenging soil conditions.
• Ability to travel approximately 20–30% between Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Coastal, Ocean, or related Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Louisiana, or ability to obtain it within 12–24 months.
• Experience with geotechnical design for dams, levees, flood protection systems, or coastal infrastructure.
• Experience evaluating subsurface conditions and preparing geotechnical analyses or design recommendations.
• Experience with coastal restoration, shoreline protection, or other coastal infrastructure projects.
• Experience supporting projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and design for pump stations, dams, levees, flood protection systems, and related heavy civil infrastructure.
• Evaluate subsurface investigation data, engineering calculations, and design alternatives to develop technical recommendations.
• Prepare engineering calculations, design drawings, specifications, and technical reports for assigned project components.
• Support engineering studies, field investigations, and construction-phase services, including site-condition evaluation, construction inspection and oversight, and resolution of technical issues.
• Coordinate with water resources, coastal, structural, and other engineering disciplines to incorporate geotechnical considerations into project designs.
• Manage assigned engineering tasks within established project scopes, schedules, and budgets, communicating progress and potential challenges.
• Review own work and the work of other team members for technical accuracy and quality, and incorporate review comments into deliverables.
• Support project managers in coordinating with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Paid overtime for salaried employees.
• Annual bonus.
• Access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico, and Banner Elk, North Carolina.
• Flexible hybrid work environment with up to 40% remote work.

What This Job Offers

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