Sr. Geotechnical Engineer

Job Details

Job Location:

ABQ Main Office - Albuquerque, NM 87109 GRIDWORKS

EPC | Solar | BESS | Substation | Transmission

Sr. Geotechnical Engineer – Solar PV & BESS

Location:

Albuquerque, New Mexico (On-site)

Department:
Engineering – Geotechnical

Reports to:

VP of Engineering

Employment Type:

Full-time, Exempt

Discipline Focus:
Utility-Scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

About Gridworks

Established in 2014, Gridworks is a leading self-perform EPC contractor delivering utility-scale solar PV, battery energy storage (BESS), substation, and transmission projects across North America. We design, engineer, procure, and build the energy infrastructure that powers the grid of tomorrow. Our Albuquerque office is a hub for our geotechnical engineering practice, supporting projects from feasibility through construction close-out.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with deep expertise in utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage systems to join our Albuquerque team. In this role, you will lead geotechnical and foundation engineering, serve as Engineer of Record (EOR) on assigned projects, partner closely with our self-perform construction teams, and provide technical oversight when geotechnical EOR responsibility is delegated to external engineering firms.

• Engineer of Record:
  Seal and stamp geotechnical reports, foundation recommendations, and supporting calculations for utility-scale PV and BESS projects, taking professional responsibility for design integrity, code compliance, and constructability.
• Foundation Engineering for PV:
  Lead geotechnical analysis and design for fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker foundations including driven piles, helical piles, ground screws, ballasted systems, drilled shafts, and micropiles.
• BESS Foundation Engineering:
  Develop foundation criteria and recommendations for battery enclosures, inverter/PCS skids, MV/LV transformer pads, and equipment platforms with attention to settlement tolerance and dynamic loading.
• Geotechnical Analysis:
  Perform bearing capacity, settlement, rotational stiffness, lateral pile, liquefaction, slope stability, and seepage analyses; evaluate collapsible, expansive, frost-susceptible, and corrosive soils.
• Pile Load Testing:
  Plan, witness, and interpret static, dynamic, and pull-out pile load test programs; calibrate design recommendations to test results and refine production criteria.
• Subsurface Investigation:
  Develop boring plans, lab testing scopes, and geotechnical investigation specifications; manage drilling subcontractors and labs to deliver high-quality, project-aligned data.
• Corrosion & Durability:
  Conduct underground corrosion analysis using AASHTO, FHWA, and DIN 50929 frameworks; recommend protective measures for steel piles and reinforced concrete in aggressive soils.
• Civil Grading Coordination:
  Review and optimize site grading plans for tracker tolerances, drainage, and BESS pad performance while minimizing cut/fill volumes and preserving constructability.
• Code Compliance:
  Apply IBC, ASCE 7, AASHTO, ACI 318, and applicable AHJ amendments for seismic, wind, and frost design; coordinate jurisdictional permitting and plan review responses.
• EPC Self-Perform
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work hand-in-hand with structural, civil, construction, field engineering, procurement, and project management to deliver buildable, cost-optimized foundation solutions aligned with project schedule and budget.
• Site Engagement:
  Travel to project sites (estimated 25–30%) for geotechnical investigation oversight, pile load test witnessing, foundation installation QA/QC, and RFI resolution.
• Vendor & Tracker OEM Coordination:
  Align pile specifications with tracker mechanical performance requirements; review and approve OEM geotechnical submittals; perform independent verification of vendor-supplied calculations.
• External EOR Oversight:
  On projects where geotechnical EOR responsibility is delegated to a third-party engineering firm, serve as Gridworks technical lead — review external EOR geotechnical reports, foundation recommendations, calculations, and design basis documents for solar PV and BESS scopes; identify gaps,…