Senior Geotechnical Engineer (PE) - Bridge, Marine, Tunnel, for COWI North America at Cowi in Oakland, CA | USD146,267-210,481 | Kablio

Role

Description

finite element

foundation design

design deliverables

client interaction

slope stability

technical lead

Create the solutions that will enable a better tomorrow.We are seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to support our North American team from our offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, or Oakland. You will work on exciting infrastructure projects across our bridge, marine, and tunnel market sectors, joining a professional team known for technical expertise, design leadership, project management, and specialized engineering.

Perform advanced soil-structure interaction analyses, geotechnical investigations, and dynamic analysis using finite element software, with a focus on utility pipes and underground stations.
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers and project managers for analysis and design of foundations for bridges, marine structures, and large infrastructure, supporting all project phases.
Prepare design deliverables, provide detailed geotechnical design recommendations, and uphold quality control in calculations, drawings, and specifications.
Conduct site visits, engage in client interactions, and ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and client requirements, cultivating effective client relations throughout the project's life cycle.
Analyze and design earth retaining structures, conduct slope stability analyses, and determine settlement, applying your technical knowledge to ensure optimal solutions.
Serve as the technical lead on major projects, managing heavy civil and underground projects such as subway tunnels, utility tunnels, underground stations, port, harbor, and offshore projects, ensuring high-quality design and execution while contributing to initiatives with numerous multi-year phases.
Utilize industry-standard software for deep and shallow foundation design, providing actionable recommendations to structural team members and ensuring project requirements are met.

Requirements

plaxis

us codes

10+ yrs

pe licensure

ms degree

collaboration

Your skills. Our team. Together we design the future.To thrive in this role, it is essential to demonstrate a readiness to work alongside others, whether they are team members, partners, or customers. Building and enhancing relationships is something you are adept at through respectful actions and delivering on your commitments. You maintain an open mindset, continuously exploring new insights and innovative ways to improve.

Professional experience and capability with finite element software (PLAXIS 2-D and 3-D or FLAC) and comprehension of US standards and codes (IBC, AASHTO, API, FHWA, NAVFAC, USACE manuals, etc.).
A minimum of 10+ years of experience working as a geotechnical engineer, with knowledge of soil-structure interaction analysis and engineering designs, particularly for tunnels, marine projects, and heavy civil infrastructure.
A Professional Engineering Licensure (P.E.) or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of employment.
A M.S. or higher degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, with a focus on the design of deep foundations.
Experience and/or interest in mass transit systems, utility tunnels, utility pipes, underground stations, port, harbor, and offshore projects is required, particularly as these projects contribute to significant multi-year impacts.
The ability to collaborate effectively across multiple technical disciplines, including structural engineers, environmental specialists, BIM, and CADD teams.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangement | Top-up parental and childbirth recovery leave | Collaborative close-knit team with a wealth of knowledge to share | Full time hires get minimum 4 weeks vacation to start | Floating holiday to celebrate employee diversity | Paid sick leave | Annual fitness subsidy - yes, you can use this for a ski pass, yoga, or gym membership | 401K contribution matching with generous company match | Personal and professional development fund | Parking or public transit allowance | Medical, dental, and vision insurance 80% employer-paid premiums | Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance | Referral incentive program| Frequent social events

Base compensation: $146,267 to $210,481 for USA location only. Actual compensation is subject to variations due to education, experience, skill set and/or location.

What we also offer:Being part of the COWI community offers more than just a generous paycheck. We develop our people both professionally and personally.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1930 Founded

Year Established

The company was established in 1930, marking the beginning of its engineering consultancy work.

€985M Revenue

Annual Revenue

Generates over €985 million annually, reflecting significant business scale.

175+ Countries

Global Presence

Operates in over 175 countries, indicating a strong international footprint.

Began with pioneering structural work like long‑span roofs and prestressed concrete.
Expanded globally with its first international office in Paris during the 1950s.
Plays a key role in major infrastructure and environmental projects.
Typical projects include iconic bridges, metro systems, wind farms, tunnels, and water-treatment plants across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.
Combines engineering, environmental science, and economics to deliver complex, sustainable solutions.
Notable expansions include acquiring bridge and tunneling specialists in the UK and US.
Committed to renewable energy and green infrastructure projects.

Culture + Values

20–30 Days Off

Generous Paid Leave

employees enjoy flexible arrangements and a safe and supportive work environment.

Always Do The Right Thing
We Are Curious – We ask questions and listen to our customers. We pursue new knowledge and insights.
We Are Courageous – We explore new ways to improve. We make decisions and take action in good time, even when this is difficult.
We Care – We take care of customers and COWI – people and planet. We pay attention to and respect each other.
We Co‑Create – We collaborate with customers, partners and colleagues. We embrace diversity in our teams to create better solutions.
We Commit – We do what we say and deliver on our promises. We make an extra effort to deliver strong results.
Mission: Creating significant value for customers, people and society through our knowledge and 360° approach.
Vision: Shaping a sustainable and liveable world together.

Environment + Sustainability

2050

Net‑zero Target Achieved by

The company has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050.

100%

Revenue from Sustainability Projects

Aiming to derive 100% of revenue from projects that drive sustainability within 3–5 years.

900,000 t

CO₂ Captured Annually

Working on a UK-based CCS facility to capture approximately 900,000 tons of CO₂ annually by 2025.

First consultancy accredited under PAS 2080 to manage embodied carbon in infrastructure
Promoting RE100 conversion and solar installations at major sites as part of long‑term roadmap
Responsible procurement: excluding PFOA/PFOS; long‑life reuse and recycling focus
Minimising emissions/waste, encouraging paperless work, sustainable transport, 100% recyclable packaging, recycled‑plastic use

Inclusion & Diversity

100% Mentorship

Employee Mentorship Programs

All millennial employees participate in mentorship programs designed to support career growth and development.

20-30 Days Off

Work-life Balance

Employees enjoy between 20 to 30 paid days off annually, reflecting strong work-life balance support.

$500–$1,000/Month

Highly Rated Benefits

Employee benefits are valued at $500 to $1,000 per month, placing the company in the top 10% for perks and benefits.

30% Women

Gender Diversity

Approximately 30% of technical and leadership roles are held by women, reflecting progress toward gender diversity goals.

Equal-opportunity employer; proactive compliance with EEO and local non-discrimination laws; policies cover recruitment, promotion, compensation
Cultural goal: attract and develop diverse high-potential team members in inclusive, supportive, trusting culture

Articles

Wikipedia – COWI A/S

COWI strategy FUTURE‑NOW (sustainability)

Reddit – COWI land development job offer experiences

Indeed – COWI jobs and careers listing

Role

Description

finite element

foundation design

design deliverables

client interaction

slope stability

technical lead

Perform advanced soil-structure interaction analyses, geotechnical investigations, and dynamic analysis using finite element software, with a focus on utility pipes and underground stations.
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers and project managers for analysis and design of foundations for bridges, marine structures, and large infrastructure, supporting all project phases.
Prepare design deliverables, provide detailed geotechnical design recommendations, and uphold quality control in calculations, drawings, and specifications.
Conduct site visits, engage in client interactions, and ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and client requirements, cultivating effective client relations throughout the project's life cycle.
Analyze and design earth retaining structures, conduct slope stability analyses, and determine settlement, applying your technical knowledge to ensure optimal solutions.
Serve as the technical lead on major projects, managing heavy civil and underground projects such as subway tunnels, utility tunnels, underground stations, port, harbor, and offshore projects, ensuring high-quality design and execution while contributing to initiatives with numerous multi-year phases.
Utilize industry-standard software for deep and shallow foundation design, providing actionable recommendations to structural team members and ensuring project requirements are met.

Requirements

plaxis

us codes

10+ yrs

pe licensure

ms degree

collaboration

Professional experience and capability with finite element software (PLAXIS 2-D and 3-D or FLAC) and comprehension of US standards and codes (IBC, AASHTO, API, FHWA, NAVFAC, USACE manuals, etc.).
A minimum of 10+ years of experience working as a geotechnical engineer, with knowledge of soil-structure interaction analysis and engineering designs, particularly for tunnels, marine projects, and heavy civil infrastructure.
A Professional Engineering Licensure (P.E.) or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of employment.
A M.S. or higher degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, with a focus on the design of deep foundations.
Experience and/or interest in mass transit systems, utility tunnels, utility pipes, underground stations, port, harbor, and offshore projects is required, particularly as these projects contribute to significant multi-year impacts.
The ability to collaborate effectively across multiple technical disciplines, including structural engineers, environmental specialists, BIM, and CADD teams.

Benefits

Base compensation: $146,267 to $210,481 for USA location only. Actual compensation is subject to variations due to education, experience, skill set and/or location.

What we also offer:Being part of the COWI community offers more than just a generous paycheck. We develop our people both professionally and personally.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1930 Founded

Year Established

The company was established in 1930, marking the beginning of its engineering consultancy work.

€985M Revenue

Annual Revenue

Generates over €985 million annually, reflecting significant business scale.

175+ Countries

Global Presence

Operates in over 175 countries, indicating a strong international footprint.

Began with pioneering structural work like long‑span roofs and prestressed concrete.
Expanded globally with its first international office in Paris during the 1950s.
Plays a key role in major infrastructure and environmental projects.
Typical projects include iconic bridges, metro systems, wind farms, tunnels, and water-treatment plants across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.
Combines engineering, environmental science, and economics to deliver complex, sustainable solutions.
Notable expansions include acquiring bridge and tunneling specialists in the UK and US.
Committed to renewable energy and green infrastructure projects.

Culture + Values

20–30 Days Off

Generous Paid Leave

employees enjoy flexible arrangements and a safe and supportive work environment.

Always Do The Right Thing
We Are Curious – We ask questions and listen to our customers. We pursue new knowledge and insights.
We Are Courageous – We explore new ways to improve. We make decisions and take action in good time, even when this is difficult.
We Care – We take care of customers and COWI – people and planet. We pay attention to and respect each other.
We Co‑Create – We collaborate with customers, partners and colleagues. We embrace diversity in our teams to create better solutions.
We Commit – We do what we say and deliver on our promises. We make an extra effort to deliver strong results.
Mission: Creating significant value for customers, people and society through our knowledge and 360° approach.
Vision: Shaping a sustainable and liveable world together.

Environment + Sustainability

2050

Net‑zero Target Achieved by

The company has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050.

100%

Revenue from Sustainability Projects

Aiming to derive 100% of revenue from projects that drive sustainability within 3–5 years.

900,000 t

CO₂ Captured Annually

Working on a UK-based CCS facility to capture approximately 900,000 tons of CO₂ annually by 2025.

First consultancy accredited under PAS 2080 to manage embodied carbon in infrastructure
Promoting RE100 conversion and solar installations at major sites as part of long‑term roadmap
Responsible procurement: excluding PFOA/PFOS; long‑life reuse and recycling focus
Minimising emissions/waste, encouraging paperless work, sustainable transport, 100% recyclable packaging, recycled‑plastic use

Inclusion & Diversity

100% Mentorship

Employee Mentorship Programs

All millennial employees participate in mentorship programs designed to support career growth and development.

20-30 Days Off

Work-life Balance

Employees enjoy between 20 to 30 paid days off annually, reflecting strong work-life balance support.

$500–$1,000/Month

Highly Rated Benefits

Employee benefits are valued at $500 to $1,000 per month, placing the company in the top 10% for perks and benefits.

30% Women

Gender Diversity

Approximately 30% of technical and leadership roles are held by women, reflecting progress toward gender diversity goals.

Equal-opportunity employer; proactive compliance with EEO and local non-discrimination laws; policies cover recruitment, promotion, compensation
Cultural goal: attract and develop diverse high-potential team members in inclusive, supportive, trusting culture

Articles

Wikipedia – COWI A/S

COWI strategy FUTURE‑NOW (sustainability)

Reddit – COWI land development job offer experiences

Indeed – COWI jobs and careers listing