Geotechnical Project Engineer - Dams & Levies - Knoxville
Geotechnical Project Engineer - Dams & Levees - Knoxville, TN
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee (Collaboration with Chattanooga teams; hybrid flexibility varies by office)
Employment Type: Full‑time
Experience Level: Project Engineer / Early Project Manager
About the Organization
This organization is a long‑established, employee‑owned engineering and technical services firm serving the Southeastern United States. Its core capabilities include geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, environmental services, and civil and geotechnical design. Over several decades, the firm has built strong expertise in dams and levees, embankments, CCR projects, power and utility infrastructure, and highly regulated facilities, including advanced energy‑sector work.
The organization is known for disciplined engineering execution, strong technical standards, and long‑term client relationships. Employee ownership supports financial stability, long‑term career growth, and retirement investment through structured ownership and retirement programs.
Why Professionals Choose This Organization
Engineers are drawn to the opportunity to work on technically challenging, design‑driven projects while remaining grounded in practical geotechnical fundamentals. The culture values strong communication, high‑quality technical writing, and collaboration just as much as analytical skill. Employees benefit from exposure to advanced infrastructure projects and a clearly defined career structure with multiple advancement paths.
Position Overview
The organization is seeking a Geotechnical Project Engineer to support its Dams & Levees practice based in Knoxville, with close coordination across Knoxville and Chattanooga geotechnical teams. Based on experience, this individual will initially work as a project engineer or early‑stage project manager, supporting geotechnical studies and design‑oriented analyses for dam, levee, embankment, and power‑related infrastructure projects.
The role includes working on stability analyses, subsurface explorations, and design support for large, complex infrastructure programs. The position spans the full project lifecycle, from planning and field investigations through analysis, reporting, and construction‑phase support.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and manage geotechnical engineering efforts for dams, levees, embankments, and power‑related infrastructure projects
- Perform geotechnical analyses including slope stability, seepage, settlement, and foundation performance
- Plan and support subsurface investigations, drilling programs, and laboratory testing
- Assist with design‑related geotechnical evaluations and remediation strategies
- Prepare clear, well‑organized technical reports, memoranda, and recommendations
- Coordinate with geotechnical managers and multidisciplinary teams across multiple offices
- Communicate effectively with clients, internal stakeholders, and regulators
- Mentor junior staff as responsibilities expand
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (Master's preferred)
- Typically 3-6+ years of geotechnical engineering experience (strong candidates with 3-4 years considered)
- Background or strong interest in dams, levees, embankments, or power and utility infrastructure
- Solid foundation in soil and rock mechanics and geotechnical analysis methods
- EIT required; Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred or in progress
- Excellent communication and technical writing skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within collaborative project teams
Career Progression
The organization maintains a structured professional hierarchy aligned with experience, responsibility, and compensation. Engineers may progress into Project Manager, technical specialist, or office leadership roles over time. Opportunities exist to support multiple offices, specialize technically, or transition into broader project management responsibilities.
What the Organization Offers
- Competitive salary and performance‑based growth
- Employee ownership with retirement contributions and long‑term wealth‑building opportunities
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and paid time off
- Exposure to advanced dam, levee, power, and highly regulated infrastructure projects
- Limited travel requirements
- A stable, collaborative, technically focused work environment
Click the link to apply directly, or contact me for a confidential discussion:
📞 +1 980‑201‑7962
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