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
