About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

Primary Responsibilities

The Seismic Practice Lead for Dams, Levees and Civil Works Business Class (BC) is responsible for developing and guiding a seismic and ground motion engineering program to support a growing and diverse geotechnical and structural design and analysis skill set to support this expanding practice. The position will have primary focus on serving the dam and infrastructure resiliency markets within HDR; however, the position may also support other businesses within HDR (Transportation, etc). The position will report to the Dams, Levees and Civil Works Business Class Director but will have close coordination responsibilities regional and corporate geotechnical practice leadership in other market areas.

The duties of the Seismic Practice Lead are to lead the strategic planning, direct and coordinate of all aspects of HDR's seismic and ground motion engineering program for dams, levees and other seismic resiliency projects. The practice includes large scale multi-discipline and multi-benefit projects with a high degree of technical complexity down to relatively straightforward projects with regional and local benefits. The position will assist in HDR corporate portfolio risk management, build, and maintain staff skills in earthquake and ground motion engineering and participate in project development and project delivery. The leader will mentor mid- and junior-level staff across a variety of disciplines in the field of seismic and ground motion engineering. The position will also participate in and provide subject matter oversight of a variety of project types including planning, design, inspection and construction management of dam, levees, floodwalls, and other critical infrastructure subject to seismic forces and ground motions.

The position will coordinate and participate with inter-related disciplines such as hydrology, hydraulics, structural, geology, geotechnical, civil, mechanical, CADD and GIS. Of particular importance is elevating the computational capabilities of the seismic and ground motion engineering practice for within HDR. This includes use of advanced computational models such as FLAC and PLAXIS among others.

As a Practice Lead, the professional will be encouraged to participate in professional organizations, attend technical conferences, publish papers/presentations in coordination with HDR's professional services program. Serving as a mentor and advisor to other HDR staff is also an expectation of the position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field
• 10 years of experience
• Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values
• Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience experienced in development and management of diverse teams
• Works cooperatively with other area business class leaders, operations managers, technical directors and marketing managers on business class efforts
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• BS in Geotechnical Engineering strongly preferred
• 15+ years of experience strongly preferred
• Expertise in the development of seismic design parameters for critical infrastructure projects including dams, transportation, and power systems.
• Capabilities in site specific seismic hazard evaluations using probabilistic and deterministic methods.
• Experience in Risk Informed Decision Making and Potential Failure Mode Analysis.
• A strong background in developing design time histories, use of seismic codes, design guides and an interest in ongoing research in seismology.
• Experience as a task lead, project manager and management positions in a consulting business.
• Applicants must be self-starters that are highly motivated and team oriented.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills and the ability to assimilate data and put into a big picture context are essential.
• Experience supporting and interacting with project teams on large complex multi-discipline projects.
• Experience performing numerical analysis is preferred, along with a strong understanding of regulatory requirements, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• Strong technical writing abilities, solid engineering background, and effective presentation skills are necessary for this position

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonuses and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position is $143,251 - $214,245 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.