Geotechnical Engineer

Position Overview

The Geotechnical Design Engineer will provide technical expertise for the planning, analysis, and design of geotechnical solutions for Transmission & Distribution (T&D) infrastructure, including overhead transmission lines, substations, underground cable systems, and associated civil works. The role supports safe, reliable, and cost-effective designs by integrating geotechnical engineering principles with utility standards, construction methods, and site-specific ground conditions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Geotechnical Analysis & Design

• Perform soil-structure interaction analysis for transmission line structures, substation foundations, and cable installations.
• Design shallow and deep foundations (spread footings, drilled shafts, piles, anchors, micropiles).
• Develop geotechnical design parameters based on soil investigation data.
• Conduct geotechnical modelling including slope stability, settlement analysis, bearing capacity assessments, liquefaction studies, and seismic evaluations.
• Design ground improvement solutions such as soil stabilization, compaction, grouting, and erosion mitigation.

2. Site Investigation & Data Interpretation

• Prepare scopes for geotechnical site investigations including drilling, in-situ testing (SPT, CPT), and lab testing.
• Review borehole logs, test results, and geotechnical reports to evaluate subsurface conditions.
• Provide geotechnical recommendations during route selection and substation siting.

3. Transmission & Distribution Support

• Provide foundation design for transmission towers/poles, equipment pads, gantries, and transformer foundations.
• Evaluate geohazards such as landslides, erosion, flooding, subsidence, and expansive or corrosive soils that may impact T&D assets.
• Support design of underground cable systems including trench stability, duct bank bedding/backfill design, and HDD bore path geotechnical assessments.

4. Construction & Project Support

• Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to RFIs, reviewing contractor submittals, and addressing unforeseen ground conditions.
• Participate in site visits to assess constructability and verify compliance with geotechnical recommendations.
• Collaborate with civil, structural, electrical, and environmental teams through all project phases.

5. Standards, Documentation & Quality

• Prepare geotechnical calculations, design reports, foundation drawings, and technical memos.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes (e.g., ASCE, AASHTO, IEEE, Eurocode, BS/EN, IS codes, utility standards).
• Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 28+ years of geotechnical design experience; T&D or utility sector experience preferred.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (PLAXIS, GeoStudio, L-Pile, AllPile, STAAD Foundation, gINT, etc.).
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation design, and geohazard assessment.
• Ability to work on cross-disciplinary engineering teams and manage multiple projects.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with overhead transmission line foundation design (33 kV765 kV).
• Experience with substation ground design, earthing, and civil works.
• Familiarity with HDD crossings and trenchless technologies.
• Professional Engineer (PE/CEng/Chartered) or working toward licensure.

Soft Skills

• Problem solving and analytical thinking
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Strong documentation and reporting skills
• Ability to work under deadlines and manage priorities