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 650+ employees in 30 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. Schnabel is seeking mid-level Geotechnical/Dam Engineer with expertise and practical experience in geotechnical engineering or engineering geology to support our growing Portland office. 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 Portland office includes civil, structural, hydraulic, geotechnical, and mechanical engineers; designers; and support professionals. Position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The Portland office of Schnabel focuses on the evaluation and design of dams, structures, and facilities as well as advancing our practice of risk informed decision making within our dam engineering group. Our office provides selective, high-end engineering consultation and solutions to public and private sector clients in the Northwest and across the US. Example projects include the inspection, evaluation and design of embankment and concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, and instrumentation, and performing risk assessments for dam owners for sites located across the United States.

Position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform geotechnical engineering analysis, calculations, and assessments such as the following:
• 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.
• Develop geotechnical and other engineering reports that clearly document and support the work performed.
• Learn risk-informed approaches for evaluating dams and potential failure modes. Assist with risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Perform inspections of dams and hydraulic structures and collect data and measurements in the field.
• Occasionally scope and perform field work such as logging test borings and pits, construction observation and daily reporting. Assign, review and interpret geotechnical laboratory tests. Prepare boring logs using gINT and/or OpenGround Cloud software.
• Assist in the preparation of complete engineering plans and sketches using AutoCAD and MicroStation and specifications to be part of construction documents.
• Assist project managers with project coordination and administrative tasks.
• Support the preparation of proposals and business development opportunities.
• Work as a team member within the Portland and Seattle offices, and across other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources.
• Engage in mentoring through on-the-job opportunities and Schnabel’s internal programs.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• A master's degree in geotechnical engineering is preferred.
• PE licensure, or EIT certification with future ability to become a Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders, and work outside.
• 3+ years of professional experience in consulting geotechnical engineering
• High proficiency in writing and reviewing reports in English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel.  
• Experience and interest with the following types of projects:
• Embankment and concrete dams
• Spillways
• Hydropower plants
• Geotechnical instrumentation
• Dam safety risk assessments
• Proficiency with standard geotechnical engineering analysis software such as LPILE, APILE and SHAFT, GeoStudio, Settle3D and FoSSA, or similar programs.  
• Experience with the latest version of AutoCAD & AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Proficiency with gINT and/or OpenGround Cloud software is beneficial but not required.
• Have a positive attitude and work well in a team environment.
• A strong work ethic, the desire to perform professionally at a high level, and oriented to continual self-improvement.
• Confidence and independence, with a shared sense of responsibility.
• Effective time management and interpersonal skills.

Other Requirements:

• Include a cover letter with your resume articulating why you are interested in joining Schnabel and our Portland office.
• Ability to perform field work and travel as needed.
• 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.

The compensation range for this position is between $73,202 to $110,015. 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.