Senior Geotechnical Engineer – Dam Engineering & Hydraulic Structures

Job Description

Are you passionate about geotechnical engineering and interested in applying your expertise to complex dam and hydraulic structure projects?

We are a firm 100% owned by its employees and we value a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset. You will have the flexibility to manage your work on your own terms and the opportunity to work on projects you can relate to.

We are seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with strong experience in dam engineering and hydraulic structures to support major dam, hydropower and water infrastructure projects across Canada.

In this role, you will act as a senior geotechnical contributor and project-level technical lead, playing a key role in the analysis, design, rehabilitation, and safety assessment of dams, dikes, and associated hydraulic structures. You will lead geotechnical work at the project level, contribute to technical decision-making, and collaborate closely with a national Subject Matter Expert (SME) in dams and hydraulic engineering, as well as other designated technical authorities, while supporting and mentoring team members.

You will work closely with the multidisciplinary Hydropower & Dams team, which is involved in all phases of project delivery, including feasibility studies, detailed design, construction support, commissioning, monitoring, and dam safety activities. You will collaborate with structural, hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and environmental specialists on a wide range of projects related to the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of dams and hydraulic infrastructure, primarily in Ontario, with opportunities to collaborate on projects across Canada.

This position offers flexibility to work from any of our offices across Ontario.

• Lead and coordinate geotechnical analyses for dams, dikes, and hydraulic structures, including embankment stability, seepage, settlement, and foundation behavior, in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and senior technical authorities.
• Prepare, coordinate, and review geotechnical design deliverables, including drawings, specifications, technical reports, cost estimates, recommendations, and permit applications, in accordance with established QA/QC procedures.
• Plan, supervise, and interpret geotechnical investigation programs, including drilling, in situ and laboratory testing, instrumentation, and monitoring.
• Perform or validate advanced geotechnical analyses such as slope stability, seepage, deformation, foundation assessments, and, where applicable, seismic or dynamic analyses.
• Contribute to dam safety activities, including Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs), periodic inspections, and surveillance programs, in collaboration with the national SME and under the direction of designated dam safety or technical leads.
• Support project management activities, including multidisciplinary coordination, client interaction, supervision of junior and intermediate staff, and technical mentoring.

• A degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a focus on Geotechnical Engineering.
• Post-graduate degree is considered an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, including design, rehabilitation, or assessment of dams, dikes, and major hydraulic structures, preferably within hydropower or water resource projects.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Ontario, or eligibility for registration with the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) within 3 months.
• Eligibility for registration in other Canadian provinces is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with geotechnical analysis and modeling software such as Geo Studio (Geo Slope), PLAXIS, FLAC, Settle3, or equivalent.
• Experience with seismic or dynamic analysis, dam safety-related work, or risk-informed assessments is considered an asset.
• Experience in other areas of geotechnical engineering (e.g., foundations, slopes, excavations, ground improvement, or earthworks) is considered an asset.
• Experience with mine tailings facilities, geosynthetic liner systems, or closure/rehabilitation of mining-related infrastructure is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Canadian dam safety regulatory frameworks (e.g., Loi sur la sécurité des barrages [QC], BC Dam Safety Regulation, CDA Dam Safety Guidelines) is considered an asset.
• Strong technical writing, communication, and coordination skills, with experience working in multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written) required;
  French is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor team members, exercise sound engineering judgment, and contribute effectively to project delivery.

At CIMA+, we value diversity of talent and perspective. You think you can add value, but don't meet all the job requirements? We invite you to apply, because everyone has something unique to offer. The outstanding talents that choose to join us at CIMA+ soon realize that we go all out to encourage them to grow. We look forward to hearing how you can contribute to our…