Principal Geotechnical Engineer

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Tetra Techis adding a Principal Geotechnical Engineer
to ourteam basedin Denver, CO.

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.

Our industry-leading expertsin engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.

For over 50 years, wehavebeen at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

Today we stand as a market leader, offeringcutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.

Our work has improved more than
625million lives around the world.

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.

Our workleveragescutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and theexpertiseof world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy .

We are seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with expertise in dams and water-resources infrastructure to lead our geotechnical practice. In this senior technical role, you will work within our multi-disciplinary team supporting dams, reservoirs, and water-resources projects for municipal, state, and federal clients. Responsibilities include leading technical planning, design, analysis, investigations, construction support, and project oversight. As the technical lead, you will lead and mentor a team of geotechnical engineers, develop creative solutions, and ensure high‑quality delivery of projects.

• Lead and mentor a team of junior and mid-level geotechnical engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Supervise, plan, and perform geotechnical engineering investigations and analyses for dams, reservoirs, water-supply systems, and related civil works projects.
• Oversee subsurface exploration programs, review boring logs and laboratory data, and assign project-specific testing to support design and reporting.
• Perform foundation design, seepage evaluations, slope-stability, fill-placement/ground-improvement, and seismic analyses; develop and approve geotechnical design solutions.
• Direct and execute dam safety evaluations, including FERC Part 12, PFMA, risk assessments, and dam risk management activities.
• Develop and review design drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports, ensuring technical accuracy, clarity, and compliance with regulations and standards.
• Create and implement quality assurance/quality control procedures for design and construction phases; verify field work meets contract and safety requirements.
• Design and evaluate corrective measures for major geotechnical failures (landslides, seepage, foundation issues, canal failures, subsidence) with cost-effective, safety-focused solutions.
• Conduct site visits and construction observations to confirm work conforms to design and safety requirements and to resolve field technical issues.
• Support business development and practice growth by contributing to client pursuit planning, proposal preparation, and identifying strategic opportunities to expand dam and geotechnical services.
• Promote a culture of safety, continuing education, and technical innovation within the practice.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, geological engineering, or related field.
• An active Professional Engineer (PE) certification in Colorado (or the ability to gain licensure in Colorado within six months of hire).
• A minimum of 20 years of geotechnical engineering experience with a keen understanding of civil engineering principles of earthen embankment and dam designs, levees, tailings storage facilities and water retaining structures.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience supervising junior and mid-level engineers and managing technical teams and projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in dam safety and risk programs, including experience with FERC Part 12 inspections, PFMA/risk assessments, and dam risk…