Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Job Description

Lead Geotechnical Engineer to join our Louisville, KY team. The candidate will be involved in business development and in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to the strategic growth of our geotechnical practice and providing technical excellence delivering projects to WSP’s public and private sector clients.

Projects generally include mining, earthen dams, transportation, water resources and other civil works projects.

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and laboratory testing programs. Typical projects include site investigation, dams and levees inspection, transportation, utilities and other civil works projects.
• Perform geotechnical analyses including design of foundations, slope stability analysis, seepage analysis and settlement analysis.
• Provide geotechnical support during construction.
• Apply high‑level geotechnical engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various infrastructure project phases involving more complex infrastructure and engineering work including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation.
• Perform professional geotechnical engineering work and conduct more complex/comprehensive investigations and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, including subsurface investigations, soil foundation engineering, settlement analysis, soil erosion, lateral earth pressures, geological hazards, underground water, slope stability, and operations to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, construction or operating permits for commercial, industrial, building, environmental, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research and findings to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or construction issues or problems.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Assist with development and scoping of small‑to‑medium‑sized projects.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Professional and collaborative team member with strong communication skills and a commitment to ethical engineering practice.

• BS in Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering.
• 5–7 years of experience in geotechnical investigation and design, preferably in the areas of foundation design, dams and levees, and transportation infrastructure.
• Good understanding and knowledge of geotechnical engineering and related disciplines (Structures, Civil, Environmental, and Planning).
• Good verbal and written communication skills (ability to communicate effectively with clients, regulators, other disciplines, managers, and other staff).
• Experience using commercially available geotechnical software (i.e. Ensoft LPILE and GROUP, Bentley Geo Studio, Roc Science SETTLE3).
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a team.

• MS or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field.
• Licensed Civil Engineer in the State of Kentucky.
• Ability and willingness to travel for field work on an as‑needed basis.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local…