Lead Geotechnical Engineer

We're seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer for our next reservoir project near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. One of the landmark projects – one of the largest in Florida, if not the entire nation. It is an opportunity to be part of a high-profile Earth Dam project for the Army Corps of Engineers, a 5 year project. It is more than a job- it is a career-defining opportunity. It offers stability, career growth, and the chance to work alongside the best in the industry. This project is about 45 minutes from West Palm Beach and 30-40 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale. This person will be expected to work on site 5-6 days/week. Occasional travel to other jobs requiring this expertise may be requested.

Position Summary

The Lead Geotechnical Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for geotechnical, dam safety, and embankment engineering activities across assigned MC Squared projects. This role is responsible for overseeing site characterization, geotechnical design, embankment and foundation evaluations, material testing oversight, and construction-phase geotechnical support. The position acts as a senior technical resource to project teams, providing engineering judgment, resolving field issues, reviewing submittals and variances, and guiding the work of project engineers, staff engineers, and field personnel.

The Lead Geotechnical Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring project compliance with USACE, SFWMD, FDOT, and other governing standards, while supporting successful execution of complex geotechnical scopes, including dams, reservoirs, cut-off walls, excavations, earthwork, grouting, and foundation systems.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Geotechnical Oversight

• Lead geotechnical engineering activities including site characterization, slope stability, settlement analysis, seepage modeling, foundation design, and embankment evaluation.
• Develop and review geotechnical design recommendations, construction specifications, and technical reports.
• Serve as the principal responder for Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Variance, and Differing Site Condition (DSC) assessments.
• Provide technical guidance during construction, including oversight of field investigations, instrumentation monitoring, and material testing data interpretation.
• Perform geotechnical reviews of submittals, shop drawings, and contractor work plans.
  
  

Construction Support & Field Engineering

• Support daily geotechnical activities on active construction sites including dams, reservoirs, levees, canals, pump stations, and earthwork projects.
• Oversee testing programs related to embankment fill, soil-cement armoring, cut-off wall performance, foundation preparation, and dewatering operations.
• Coordinate with field teams to resolve real-time construction issues and maintain compliance with project specifications.
• Direct or review intrusive testing such as SPT sampling, Shelby tube sampling, and laboratory index and strength testing.
  
  

Project & Client Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers, senior leadership, and clients to define geotechnical scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Represent MC Squared in technical meetings, design reviews, and regulatory discussions with agencies including USACE, SFWMD, SWFWMD, DOTs, and local jurisdictions.
• Communicate complex geotechnical concepts clearly to multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
  
  

Quality Management & Documentation

• Ensure adherence to geotechnical design standards and relevant ASTM, AASHTO, USACE, and local agency requirements.
• Review and sign technical memoranda, QC summaries, dam safety inspection reports, and engineering deliverables.
• Oversee reporting of geotechnical activities, including daily documentation, instrumentation readings, and recommended actions.
  
  

Mentorship & Team Leadership

• Provide supervision, coaching, and technical development for project engineers and staff engineers.
• Support training efforts related to geotechnical field procedures, documentation, and engineering analyses.
• Serve as a senior resource in building the long-term capabilities of the A-2 geotechnical team.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related discipline;
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required, preferably with the ability to obtain reciprocity in Florida;
• Minimum of 10 years of geotechnical engineering experience with direct involvement in heavy civil, dam, reservoir, levee, or earthwork projects;
• Strong technical background in soil mechanics, slope stability, seepage analysis, deep and shallow foundations, and embankment construction;
• Experience supporting field investigations, laboratory testing programs, and construction-phase geotechnical oversight;
• Excellent technical writing, documentation, and communication skills;
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering;
• Experience serving as Engineer of Record (EOR) or Lead Geotechnical Engineer on dam or reservoir projects;
• Familiarity with USACE, SFWMD, SWFWMD, FDOT, and other public-agency design and construction standards;
• Experience preparing Emergency Action Plans (EAP), Operation & Maintenance Manuals, and dam inspection reports;
• Background in grouting programs, cutoff walls, vibration monitoring, or foundation rehabilitation;
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to mentor junior technical staff.