Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Tunnels, Dams & Mega Infrastructure

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we’re reimagining how major infrastructure shapes the world, delivering some of the most complex, high-impact programs across water, dams, and heavy civil works. Our work meaningfully improves the livability and connectivity of our local communities, with a focus on building and strengthening an equitable, diverse, and inclusive society. We apply our expertise and knowledge as we look into the future with great optimism and focus. We don’t settle until we give our best and know that we’re making a difference.

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Geotechnical Engineer to play a senior leadership role within our global practice, someone who thrives at the intersection of technical excellence, major program delivery, and strategic advisory.

This role is designed for a recognized expert who wants to influence iconic projects, mentor top talent, and serve as a trusted advisor on complex geotechnical challenges worldwide. This person will serve as a technical authority and senior advisor across major infrastructure programs, supporting projects such as dams, water systems, mining developments, and large-scale transportation infrastructure.

This role goes beyond project execution. You will shape design strategies, guide multidisciplinary teams, and support clients on their most critical geotechnical risks and decisions.

You may also act as

• Geotechnical SME and reviewer on complex programs over various delivery alternatives (design-build, design-bid-build, CMAR, etc)
• Program-level advisor supporting owners, contractors, and claims teams
• Engineer of Record for significant and complex geotechnical elements
• Mentor and technical leader across global delivery teams
  
  
  

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership across major geotechnical programs from concept through construction and commissioning
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, including owners and program leadership teams
• Support and provide leadership on major programs for large infrastructure mega-projects.
• Lead or support independent technical reviews, design validation, and risk assessments for large infrastructure projects
• Guide geotechnical aspects of
• Dams and levees (earth fill, RCC, tailings)
• Deep foundations and ground improvement
• Hard rock and soil tunneling
• Excavation support and underground works
• Seismic design and soil-structure interaction
• Complex site conditions (soft soils, liquefaction, high rainfall environments)
• Manage technical oversight in dam design, geotechnical investigations, slope stability, seepage analysis, structural integrity, quarries, aggregate production, and thermal cracking control
• Manage technical oversight of RCC mix design and optimization, placement, compaction, and quality control, ensuring adherence to international standards and safety protocols
• Manage technical oversight of tunnel works, including alignment selection, excavation methods (TBM, drill and blast), ground support design, groundwater control, lining systems, construction sequencing, and risk management for complex subsurface conditions
• Contribute to claims analysis, dispute resolution, and expert reviews when required
• Support major pursuits and strategic growth initiatives across the Americas and globally
• Mentor and develop geotechnical talent, strengthening Jacobs’ technical bench
• Direct preparation and assure quality in technical reports, technical specifications, and design drawings
• Assist client to implement dam safety programs, emergency action plans, and regulatory compliance strategies
• Occasional travel requires potential international expatriate assignments
  
  

Here's what you'll need

• MS and/or PhD in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering
• Registration as a professional engineer and/or engineering geologist in the United States is required
• Long-standing professional experience performing geotechnical projects
• 20+ years of professional experience
  
  
  

Ideally, you'll also have

• Mega-project/program experience during planning, design and construction execution
• International experience includes relocation to different geographies
• Dam and levee design and analysis experience
• Familiarity with international dam safety standards (ICOLD, FERC, USBR, USACE)
• Foundation design experience
• Knowledge of dam safety standards
• Experience with tunnel and underground works
• Familiarity with tunneling methods and ground support systems
• Experience with alternative delivery methods including design-build contracts (FIDIC or NEC)
• Experience with hydroelectric power
• Strong computer skills are required including Microsoft Office applications and pertinent technical engineering and numerical analysis software
• Strong technical presentation and report writing skills
  
  
  

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $270,000.00 to $350,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on June 30, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.