Geotechnical Engineer

Company Description

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.

The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

Job Description

The Senior Geotechnical Engineer will be a member of our growing Forensic Architecture and Engineering practice. With a combination of high‑level technical and construction experience, they will collaborate with other subject matter experts to consult with clients; perform examinations, testing, and analysis; and prepare engineering reports and findings in a clear, concise, efficient and professional manner.  The successful candidate will provide technical and project management leadership in geotechnical related investigations, projects, and tasks, on both a national and international scale.

Job Responsibilities

• Investigate geotechnical and construction-related failures that may involve shallow and deep foundations, soil and rock slopes, dams, foundations, pipelines and retaining walls
• Perform site examinations relating to loss/failure
• Review plans and specifications and other furnished documents with an attention to detail, to determine whether relevant designs, guidelines, codes, and other regulations have been met
• Assist in developing and preparing engineering drawings and simulations from field measurements, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data
• Prepare technical reports based upon sound investigations and analysis, that effectively communicate the results in an ethical, unbiased fashion
• Effectively communicate investigation and analysis findings to clients and others within boardrooms, during mediations, and trials
• Manage projects according to client-approved scopes of work, and deliver high-quality reports and/or presentations on time and within budget
• Provide litigation support and serve as an expert witness in construction disputes and large construction-related insurance claims.
• Development, mentoring and/or direct more junior staff on investigation assignments
• Participate with other J.S. Held staff in business development, as well as the promotion of advancing market growth opportunities
• Participation in industry events and seminars, including delivering technical presentations to client and industry events
• Develop an understanding of the core values of the firm and familiarization with the strategic plan, and help drive the business in a positive fashion
• Work independently or are part of a team, collaborating with professionals from J.S. Held across the globe

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Masters or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering
• Professional Engineering (PE) and Geotechnical Engineering (GE) license in California
• A minimum of 10 years of experience (post-degree) working in a consulting and/or forensic engineering at a senior project management level with exposure to projects on an international scale
• A sound basis in the application of geotechnical engineering to problem-solving.
• Ideally, the successful candidate will have exposure to developments and investigations involving shallow and deep foundations, soil and rock slopes, dams, foundations and retaining walls
• Heavy commercial, industrial, and civil infrastructure experience
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Excellent presentation, communication and technical writing skills
• Strong organizational and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Flexibility in both assignment and potential travel requirements depending upon the assignment 

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to engineering in a consulting environment preferred, with forensic engineering experience an asset
• PE license in other west-coast states or ability to obtain

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.  
• Must be able to travel to various project sites and conduct field investigations.
• Must be able to work in hot and cold environments, both indoors and outdoors.
• Physically able t