Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Hydropower & Dams

Position Overview

Kiewit is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to play a key technical leadership role on complex hydropower, dam, and hydraulic structure projects across North America. This position offers the opportunity to influence the planning, design, and construction of complex infrastructure with long‑term environmental and societal impact.

As a senior member of Kiewit’s Hydropower, Dams, and Hydraulic Structures (HDH) team, you will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, construction partners, and clients to deliver high‑quality, constructible designs. The role combines deep technical involvement, project leadership, and mentorship, with opportunities to contribute to business development and the strategic growth of the HDH practice.

Why Join Kiewit’s Hydropower & Dams Team?

• Work on large, complex hydropower and dam projects across Canada and the U.S.
• Influence designs that are built by Kiewit, ensuring strong constructability and real‑world impact
• Collaborate with high-performance multidisciplinary teams in an integrated design–construction environment
• Opportunity to mentor engineers and influence the future of the practice · Support for professional engagement and leadership in the industry

District Overview

2025 ENR National Contractor Rankings #1 for Transportation and #3 Top 100 design build firms 

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineers (KIE) is a multi-faceted and leading-edge division of our company that offers a variety of services, including, temporary and permanent design services for current projects and new project pursuits in the United States and Canada.  Our design services group has offices in Colorado, Nebraska, Washington State, and Toronto, Canada offering expertise in structural, geotechnical, civil, drainage, roadway, and materials disciplines.  Our engineering group is responsible for managing engineering assignments in support of Kiewit’s construction projects in both the United States and Canada.  As part of the engineering group, you will have the opportunity to work with other structural and geotechnical engineers, members of our interdisciplinary engineering team, as well as estimators, schedules and construction experts to provide advice on construction methodology, risk and the design of temporary works. 

Location

This position is located in our Burnaby, BC office. Remote or hybrid work arrangements may be considered. 

Responsibilities

Technical & Project Leadership

• Serve as a senior geotechnical technical resource on hydropower, dam, and hydraulic structure projects, commensurate with experience.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance on complex or critical geotechnical design elements, including foundations, embankments, underground works, and appurtenant structures.
• Act as design coordinator or deputy design manager on select projects, supporting integrated delivery with civil, structural, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.
•  Support project teams in resolving technical and logistical challenges, including non‑conformities, constructability issues, and technical claims.
• Contribute to technical risk identification and mitigation during pursuits and project execution.
• Champion innovative design approaches, alternative solutions, and emerging technologies where appropriate.
• Ensure designs are delivered in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and Kiewit’s design quality management program.
• May serve as Engineer of Record for geotechnical components, where appropriate and aligned with experience and licensure.

People, Collaboration & Mentorship

• Collaborate closely with internal engineering teams, construction personnel, and external design partners.
• Mentor and support the development of junior and intermediate engineers through technical guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment focused on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Interface with clients, regulators, subconsultants, and project stakeholders as a senior technical representative.

Business & Practice Development

• Support business development efforts, including pursuits, technical proposals, and client engagement.
• Contribute to the growth and evolution of the HDH practice through strategic initiatives, lessons learned, and continuous improvement. · Interest in improving design efficiency through new tools and workflows (including AI‑enabled solutions).

Quality & Safety

• Lead by example in promoting a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of the design quality management system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering (or closely related discipline).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering design.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or ability to obtain it in the short term.
• Demonstrated experience on hydropower and dam projects, including dams, spillways, and appurtenant structures.
• Experience working within integrated or contractor‑led delivery models (e.g., Design‑Build, EPC, Progressive Design‑Build).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel periodically to project offices and job sites.

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience as a design manager, deputy design manager, project engineer, or design coordinator on multidisciplinary projects.
• More than 15 years of experience in geotechnical engineering design.
• On‑site construction experience and ability to view design through a constructability lens.
• Engagement in industry organizations such as CDA, USSD, Waterpower Canada, NHA, CEATI, or similar.
• Holistic understanding of hydropower and dam projects beyond geotechnical engineering.
• Interest in supporting other water or infrastructure markets.
• Fluent in French and English (written and spoken). #LI-JP1