Senior Geotechnical Engineer

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for our Birmingham, Alabama office. This role provides the opportunity to support a growing portfolio of projects throughout the southeastern United States, delivering geotechnical engineering services for transportation infrastructure, power and energy facilities, and industrial/commercial developments. The selected candidate will play a key role in project delivery, technical leadership, and client engagement across Alabama and the broader southeast.

• Lead and perform geotechnical engineering analyses and design for:

  • Transportation projects (roadways, bridges, embankments, slopes)

  • Power and energy facilities (generation, substations, transmission corridors)

  • Industrial and commercial site developments

• Plan, coordinate, and manage subsurface exploration programs, including drilling, sampling, laboratory testing, and field investigations.

• Prepare and oversee geotechnical engineering deliverables, including:

  • Geotechnical data reports

  • Interpretive reports

  • Foundation and earthwork design recommendations

• Perform analyses and design for:

  • Shallow and deep foundations

  • Slope stability and retaining structures

  • Settlement and ground improvement solutions

  • Pavement and subgrade evaluations

• Provide construction-phase support, including:

  • Field observations and inspections

  • Design reviews and responses to RFIs

  • Construction recommendations and troubleshooting

• Apply sound engineering judgment to evaluate subsurface conditions and develop practical, cost‑effective solutions.

• Lead and mentor junior engineers and technical staff, ensuring adherence to QA/QC procedures and technical excellence.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across transportation, civil, environmental, and power sectors.

• Support business development, including:

  • Proposal development

  • Scope definition and fee estimates

  • Client communication and relationship management

• Manage multiple assignments while maintaining schedule, budget, and quality objectives.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with geotechnical focus (Master’s preferred).

• 5 to 7+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) (Alabama or ability to obtain within 6 months).

• Demonstrated experience supporting:

  • Transportation infrastructure projects

  • Power/energy or utility projects

  • Industrial and commercial development projects

• Experience with:

  • Subsurface investigation planning and execution

  • Geotechnical analysis and design

  • Preparation of technical reports and contract documents

• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards (e.g., AASHTO, ASTM, FHWA).

• Ability to work independently and serve as a task or project lead.

• Experience delivering projects in the southeastern United States, with Alabama experience strongly preferred.

• Project management skills with experience leading teams on complex or multi‑project programs.

• Client focus with experience in client management and effective project/program delivery skills.

• Possess strong verbal communication, writing, analytical, and organizational skills combined with a positive attitude and an ability to work both independently and within groups, including with technical peers across the company, client contacts, and subcontractors.

• Familiarity with state DOT requirements (e.g., ALDOT, TDOT, GDOT).

• Experience supporting power and utility clients or heavy industrial facilities.

• Experience with geotechnical software (e.g., SLIDE, LPILE, Open Ground/gINT).

• Strong understanding of regional soil and rock conditions across the southeast.