Mid-Level Geotechnical/Dam Engineer

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700 employees in 31 offices throughout the United States. 

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm. 

Benefit options include: 

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description: 

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. Our Albany, NY area office (Clifton Park) is seeking a Project Geotechnical/Dam Engineer to join our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong multi-disciplinary team. Our Albany office includes civil, hydraulic, and geotechnical engineers, and support professionals.

Schnabel’s Albany office focuses on the evaluation and design of dams, hydraulic structures, and related facilities within our dams engineering group. Our office provides selective, high-end engineering consultation and solutions to public and private sector clients in the Northeast and across the US. We also team with our geo-professional and tunnels business units to provide geotechnical and water resource engineering for a variety of other projects.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze and design components related to dams and water infrastructure.
• Slope stability and seepage analyses.
• Filter compatibility analyses and evaluation of internal erosion.
• Analysis of settlement and lateral earth pressures.
• Analysis of liquefaction and seismic performance of embankment dams.
• Preparation of reports, plans, and specifications.
• Learn risk-informed approaches for evaluating dams and potential failure modes.
• Assist with risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Develop engineering recommendations and write technical reports.
• Scope and perform geotechnical explorations and laboratory testing programs.
• Perform inspections of dams and hydraulic structures and collect data and measurements in the field.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering plans and technical specifications.
• Perform construction observation with opportunities for short and/or longer-term field assignments.
• Assist project managers with project coordination and administrative tasks and assume project management responsibilities as appropriate.
• Work as a team member within the Albany office and across other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources.
• Engage in mentoring and training of junior staff through on-the-job opportunities.

Required Skills/Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
• 4 years of geotechnical design and/or geotechnical construction-oriented consulting engineering experience.
• New York PE licensure is required, or PE licensure in another state with ability to obtain New York license within 6 months.
• High proficiency in writing and reviewing reports in English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong technical background using various geotechnical and computer-aided design software, such as GeoStudio, Rocscience, OpenGround, BoreDM, CWALSHT, PYWall, LPILE, GROUP, and AutoCAD Civil 3D. Numerical modeling using programs such as PLAXIS and FLAC are a plus.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders, and work outside.
• Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel.  
• Have a positive attitude and work well in a team environment.
• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• A master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering is preferred.
• Numerical modeling using programs such as PLAXIS and FLAC are preferred. 
• Experience and interest with the following types of projects is preferred: 
  • Embankment and concrete dams
  • Spillways
  • Hydropower plants
  • Geotechnical instrumentation
  • Dam safety risk assessments 

Other Requirements:

• Include a cover letter with your resume articulating why you are interested in joining Schnabel and our Albany office.
• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• A valid driver’s license and dependable transportation are required as driving is an essential function of this position.

The compensation range for this position is between $73,000 to $110,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location. 

Salary : $73,000 - $110,000