GeoTechnical Engineer - Senior Level

Moffatt & Nichol specializes in large complex waterfront infrastructure projects and is recognized as one of the worldwide leaders in this field. We are actively looking for a Geotechnical Engineer to join our Sao Paulo office.   As part of the Geotechnical Group, the Geotechnical Engineer assesses and analyzes the ground on which wharves, quays, buildings and other structures will be constructed/operated; examine the soil, checks the flow of underground water, and conducts other tests to ensure the stability of an area before construction begins. Development of structural/ geotechnical projects of foundations and retaining structures. 

About Moffatt & Nichol:  

Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specialising in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbours, and rivers. Reflecting Moffatt & Nichol’s commitment to design innovation since 1945, Engineering News-Record (ENR) has ranked the company No. 1 in Marine and Port Facilities and among the Top 50 Designers in International Markets. 

Moffatt & Nichol's professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists, and architects who serve our global client base from offices in Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific Rim. The firm provides clients worldwide with customised service and a level of excellence that have become the firm’s hallmark in three primary practise areas—coastal, environmental, and water resources; ports and harbours; and transportation, bridges, and rail. 

Duties and responsibilities: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

• Prepare specifications, interpret field test data (SPT, sCPT, FVST, DMT) and estimate soil engineering properties for foundation design and soil-structure interaction (SSI)
• Recommend and monitor lab tests on items in a laboratory. Interpret results, analyze soil properties, note any contamination or other issues, and produce reports about their findings for project managers
• Performs construction site inspections and prepare inspection reports
• Perform geostructural analysis and design of waterfront structures, including bulkheads, retaining walls, deep foundations, and flood control structures
• Designs wall structural components, including wales, tie rods, tiebacks, cap beams, etc., comprising local and global soil stability
• Design of buried structures
• Design and preparation of construction drawings and contract documents
• Study safety quality standards for different projects and make sure that each project adheres to these standards. Inspects foundations, observing drilling activities, and reviewing work plans are some of the ways geotechnical engineers ensure adherence to these standards
• Present possible project risks, evaluate seismic activities geotechnical effects, make recommendations for foundations and excavation activities, and summarize the progress of individual projects
• Resolve design problems that may include performing field investigation or inspections, detailed design work, and detailed checking of design computations done by others, or general coordination of specific design aspects into a project
• Manages and leads multidisciplinary projects, coordinating local and international professionals and subcontractors
• Manages internal and external client's needs and expectations
• Performs quality assurance reviews and adheres to Moffatt & Nichol Quality Management System
• Leads, mentors, and assists engineers and designers in developing final design plans
• Performs office-based construction administration including review of shop drawings and technical submittals
• Preparation of techno-commercial proposals for the services offered by Moffatt & Nichol 

Other duties: 

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or relevant experience
• M.Sc. degree in geotechnical engineering
• Fluency in English
• 15 years of experience
• Professional Engineer licensure in Brazil CREA
• Experience and proficiency with the following or equivalent geotechnical software package categories:
  1. Lateral pile analysis (ie: LPile, AllPile)
  2. Axial pile/drilled shaft analysis (ie: APile, AllPile, Driven, Shaft)
  3. Pile group analysis (ie: Group, AllPile)
  4. Slope stability (ie: Slope, Slide)
  5. Excavation support (ie: DeepEX, WALLAP, Support-IT, CT Shoring Suite)
  6. Finite element analysis (ie: Plaxis)
  7. Settlement (ie: Settle3, FoSSA, etc.)
• Strong understanding of ABNT Standards, ACI, AISC, AASHTO, IBC, NDS, and other design codes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD.  Experience in Civil3D a plus
• Experience with structural analysis software (SAP, STAAD) a plus
• All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171 

Working conditions: 

Majority of work is office based. Some site visits may be required which may necessitate navigating unpaved or natural terrain while carrying equipment.

Moffatt & Nichol’s EEO Statement:

As a global business, Moffatt & Nichol relies on diversity of culture and thought to deliver on our goal of Creative People, Practical Solutions® serving our client needs, and ensures nondiscrimination in all activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.   We draw from the world’s best and brightest, regardless of geographic, cultural, or institutional background. This approach enables us to better understand and serve our clients, foster innovation, and create a rich, collaborative work environment.  Moffatt & Nichol is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Federal Contractor desiring priority referrals of all protected veterans for job openings.

If you need more information or require special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact Human Resources at (562) 590-6500 or TTY/TDD users please call 711.