Senior Geotechnical Engineer

AES is recruiting a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to provide technical expertise in all phases of renewable energy project development, from the initial stages through construction and operations. This role will support the delivery of foundation solutions for wind, photovoltaic (PV), and grid-scale battery storage facilities ranging in capacity from less than 5 MW to over 1,000 MW.

The Senior Geotechnical Engineer will address geotechnical matters across project teams to optimize design, mitigate risk, and help ensure successful results. The position requires adaptability and time management skills to handle multiple geotechnical requests of varying complexity while upholding standards for safety, technical quality, and professional integrity.

Candidates should have a deep understanding of geotechnical engineering principles, soil mechanics, and foundation design methodologies. Significant experience in foundation, earthwork, roadway, and slope stability design and review for large renewable energy projects is required.

We are open to hiring a candidate outside of the listed locations. However, if a candidate is located near one of the office locations, there will be potentital hybrid arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development and Risk Assessment

- Identify geotechnical risks during early project development and provide recommendations on design and cost estimation.

- Conduct preliminary site hazard assessments for developments in the planning phase.

- Prepare initial cost estimates for geotechnical investigations and recommend consultants for request for proposal processes and address requests for information during construction

- Collaborate with consultants to define scopes of work for project-specific geotechnical investigations.

- Finalize investigation scope, cost, and schedule prior to contract award.

- Review geotechnical reports for technical accuracy and compliance with project requirements.

- Assess laboratory and field data relevant to foundation design and construction.

- Advise on design parameters including foundation embedment, earthworks, and geohazard considerations.

- Support mergers and acquisitions due diligence concerning potential asset acquisitions.

Project Execution

- Work with AES staff and consultants to develop and review design packages (30%, 60%, 90%, 100%, IFP, and IFC civil, structural, and electrical).

- Document any deviations from project geotechnical recommendations.

- Evaluate design solutions for turbines, solar trackers, energy storage, and related infrastructure.

- Adjust contract specifications as needed to support EPC contract negotiations.

Project Construction and Quality Assurance

- Assist project management and engineering with troubleshooting or alternative remediation plans.

- Conduct site visits and field inspections for foundation, earthwork, and ground stability assessments during construction and operations.

- Carry out safety assessments and site walks to identify workplace hazards.

Asset Management and Operational Support

- Partner with Operations and Maintenance and Asset Management teams on operational troubleshooting and remediation plans.

- Develop solutions for system modifications and resolve geotechnical issues among subcontractors and vendors.

- Perform root cause analyses for geotechnical-related failures.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

- Serve as a technical resource on geotechnical topics.

- Participate in internal and external meetings.

- Evaluate geotechnical consultants for Master Service Agreement consideration.

Organization Maturity and Innovation

- Mentor staff on new technologies, construction practices, and safety protocols.

- Engage process improvement initiatives.

- Maintain awareness of industry standards and emerging geotechnical technologies.

- Support innovation with reviews related to structural design.

Skills And Qualifications

Education and Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering.

- At least 5 years’ progressive experience in geotechnical engineering design, analysis, and construction support.

- Minimum 2 years’ experience with PV solar, wind, battery energy storage, and high-voltage facility design.

- Field experience on large-scale civil/geotechnical projects, including geotechnical QA/QC and construction oversight.

Technical Competencies

- Advanced knowledge of geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, foundation design, geological conditions, subsurface risks, and site characterization methods.

- Proficiency with geotechnical software and tools (LPILE, MFAD, Slope/W, etc.).

- Experience with SPT, CPT, pile load testing, and geophysical methods (MASW, seismic refraction, electrical resistivity imaging).

- Knowledge of relevant codes and standards (AASHTO, ACI, IBC, ISO, ASCE 7, DNV).

- Familiarity with civil design elements such as cut/fill analysis, stormwater, and road design.

Professional Skills

- Effective written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), AutoCAD, and Bluebeam.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

- PE license or eligibility.

- Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.

- MSHA/OSHA 10-hour certification (or equivalent).

- Spanish language proficiency.

- Familiarity with finite element modeling (Plaxis, FLAC, SIGMA/W).

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

- Office-based role with potential hybrid arrangements.

- Up to 25% travel for site visits, meetings, and inspections.

- Occasional construction site exposure requiring PPE.

- Ability to work in varying weather conditions during fieldwork.

- Typical office ergonomics with prolonged computer use.

- Full professional English fluency.