Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

We are looking to appoint a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to strengthen our geotechnical capability across major infrastructure programs in the Pacific Northwest. This role sits within our Ground Engineering team, supporting both design delivery and owner's advisory work on complex, large-scale transportation and civil infrastructure projects.

Based in Seattle (hybrid), this is a senior, client-facing position suited to someone with strong technical depth and established experience delivering across Washington and/or Oregon. The role also includes line management and mentorship responsibilities, with a clear pathway toward progression to Principal level.

You will play a central role in delivering major underground and surface infrastructure, spanning both technical design and advisory scopes. This includes working alongside owner organizations as an embedded advisor, supporting the delivery of complex programs involving tunnels, underground stations, elevated structures, and at-grade assets in challenging ground conditions.

Alongside advisory responsibilities, you will contribute to a broader portfolio of geotechnical design work, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, high-quality engineering solutions. The role offers exposure to long-term regional programs and complex, multi-package delivery environments, combining hands-on technical input with strategic project support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical analysis and design across all stages of project delivery, including foundations, excavations, retaining systems, slopes, embankments, ground improvement, and underground works.
• Provide technical leadership on complex geotechnical challenges, ensuring solutions are robust, efficient, and constructible.
• Support owner's advisory services, including oversight of design, construction, and geotechnical risk management.
• Coordinate geotechnical inputs across multidisciplinary teams, aligning with project requirements, standards, and stakeholder expectations.
• Review calculations, reports, and design deliverables to ensure quality and compliance.
• Support the development and interpretation of geotechnical data, including instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Engage with clients, agencies, and stakeholders to support delivery and strengthen working relationships.
• Contribute to proposals and business development activities across the region.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing.
• Promote a strong health, safety, and engineering culture.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (Master's preferred).
• WA / OR PE license (or ability to obtain via reciprocity).
• 10+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong track record on major infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in geotechnical design for complex infrastructure, including underground works and geostructures.
• Experience working with public sector agencies in Washington and/or Oregon, with a demonstrated understanding of local codes and delivery frameworks.
• Ability to operate in a client-facing or advisory capacity within project or program environments.
• Strong technical grounding in soil and rock mechanics, geotechnical analysis, and ground-structure interaction.
• Proficiency with industry-standard software (e.g., PLAXIS, Geo Studio, RS2/RS3, Civil 3D, BIM tools).
• Experience leading technical delivery, managing risk, and contributing to project outcomes.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, including mentoring and team development experience.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US, as Mott Mac Donald is unable to provide sponsorship at this time.

Benefits & Reward

At Mott Mac Donald, our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing them with a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. We provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term/long-term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company paid life insurance.

Individual pay is determined based on…