Principal Geotechnical Engineer - job 1 of 2

How will you make your mark?

At AECOM, our work in providing access to clean water enables communities to thrive and ecosystems to flourish, contributing to a resilient future. As a global leader in infrastructure consulting, we are at the forefront of significant water projects, with over 6,000 of the industry’s best minds driving innovation and technical excellence. Together, we develop solutions that are not only best in the world, but best for the world.     

With an acceleration in infrastructure investment, your bold ideas and global expertise have never been more crucial. Join our dynamic team, where innovation, career growth, and collaboration are celebrated. Enjoy the freedom to grow with customizable career paths, water-specific technical and professional development and the potential to contribute to transformational projects worldwide.    

Discover your #H2Opportunity 

Dams

With a proud history spanning over 85 years and thousands of successful projects, our expertise in dam and reservoir engineering is unmatched. From feasibility studies to design, construction, and maintenance, we cover every aspect of the process, ensuring the longevity and safety of critical water infrastructure. As part of our team, you'll contribute to our legacy, bringing innovative solutions to life and making a meaningful impact on global water resources

AECOM is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to be based in Denver, CO.

• Plan and oversee field exploration/characterization and laboratory testing of soil and rock materials.
• Oversee teams performing material characterization, seepage and slope stability analyses and designing slope stabilization measures for dams and spillways.
• Oversee teams performing seismic stability and deformations analyses of dams; including earthquake ground motions, liquefaction potential (static and seismic), and earthquake-induced and fault-induced deformations.
• Preparing and presenting technical presentations to project team, clients, regulators, and technical review boards.
• Supervise preparation of technical reports, independent dam safety inspections, and potential failure mode analyses.
• Conducting potential failure mode analyses and risk analyses for water storage and hydropower dams, including identifying and developing potential failure modes, and serving as subject matter expert in risk analysis workshops.
• Project Management – tracking scope, schedule and budget.
• Mentoring and technical development of junior staff, supporting them to achieve technical success
• Review engineering reports and documentation prepared by junior staff.
• Perform Independent Technical Reviews and ensure the quality of project deliverables.

Minimum Requirements·  

• Bachelors degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering + 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education 
• Professional Engineer (PE) license 
• Due to the nature of this work, a valid U.S Driver’s License is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s OR PhD in Civil Engineering or related field of study
• 20+ years or more of relevant experience
• Experience in dam design and evaluation (e.g., material characterization, liquefaction, seepage, slope stability, and settlement analyses)
• Familiarity with design reports, drawings, and specifications
• Experience leading tasks with effective delegation skills.
• Experience with GeoStudio (SEEP/W and SLOPE/W), UTEXAS4, Grapher, FLAC/FLAC3D and AutoCAD
• Experience working on risk analysis projects.
• Business development for new and existing clients, prepare engineering services proposals, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Must be a resourceful, highly organized professional with attention to people and detail.
• Strong commitment to ensuring safe project execution.

• Local travel required.
• Due to the nature of this work, qualified applicants who are offered a position may have to pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
• Relocation is available for this role.
• AECOM is interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. Permanent residency sponsorship is available for current H1-B visa holders in the United States.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.