Geotechnical Engineer

Overview

At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities and constantly ask ourselves:
What is our impact on the world? Each role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better.

HDR is looking for a Geotechnical Engineer to join our established Power program in North Carolina. This role may be based in any of the following NC offices:
Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston‑Salem, Asheville, Wilmington. In this role, you will take a technical lead on the analysis, design, and construction of modifications for large‑scale dams and critical power infrastructure across the region.

• Lead project workflows, planning, geotechnical field investigations and laboratory testing programs.
• Prepare geotechnical analysis, design calculations, and reports.
• Review and evaluate dam safety instrumentation data and conduct finite element modeling of dams.
• Prepare design drawings and construction specifications.
• Participate in dam safety inspections.
• Support marketing efforts for internal and external clients and other project activities.
• Serve as Project Manager for mid‑size initiatives as needed.

Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng)).

• Previous experience with Microsoft Office applications, Micro Station or other appropriate software.
• Experience with Geo Studio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage and deep foundation response software.
• Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/Open Ground/Leap Frog).
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

• Bachelor's or M.S. degree in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering.
• PE license in NC.
• 5 years of related experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Experience using AutoCAD, Micro Station or GIS applications.
• Experience using other industry standard geotechnical and geological engineering software.
• Experience planning, performing, and documenting subsurface explorations.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting field and laboratory testing results.
• Experience reading, reviewing, and interpreting geotechnical instrumentation.
• Experience with dam safety inspections and dam engineering.
• Ability to work independently on smaller projects and the desire to work on larger projects as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to handle multiple simultaneous tasks effectively.
• Receptive to technical mentoring and passionate about meeting new, complex challenges.
• Good problem‑solving and reasoning skills.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to perform field work and overnight travel (some field work and travel will be required); local candidates are preferred.

United States — North Carolina — Charlotte

Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston‑Salem, Asheville, Wilmington (North Carolina)

Full‑time

Regular

May 11, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.