Senior Geotechnical Engineer (SME) - Rail and Transit

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Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Geotechnical Engineer (SME) to join our team! In this role, you'll have the privilege of working on the premier Infrastructure project in the Country, as well as receive all of the benefits of working for Parsons! This Program is the most Urgent infrastructure program in the country - a comprehensive set of rail investments that will improve commuter and intercity services, add needed resiliency and, in its later stages, create new capacity between Newark NJ and NYC.

Program background

The Gateway Program is the most urgent infrastructure program in the country – a comprehensive set of rail investments that will improve commuter and intercity services, add needed resiliency and, in its later stages, create new capacity between Newark, New Jersey and New York City, the busiest section of the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The first phase of the Gateway Program includes the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP), which includes the construction of a new two-track tunnel under the Hudson River connecting to Penn Station New York as well as the full rehabilitation of the existing 110-year-old North River Tunnel. The Gateway Development Commission (GDC), established through bi-state legislation, is responsible for the financing and development of the Hudson Tunnel Project.

Position Overview:

The Geotechnical Engineering SME will provide expert-level support to the Gateway Development Commission (GDC) and Amtrak under Task Order #007 for the Hudson Tunnel Project. This role is part of the Strategic Management and Engineering Delivery Partner team and focuses on geotechnical oversight, analysis, and compliance throughout the design, procurement, and construction phases of the HTP.

Technical Oversight & Advisory

• Provide expert geotechnical guidance during design reviews, constructability assessments, and feasibility evaluations.

• Advise on soil and materials management strategies, including compliance with the Soil Reuse and Alternative Fill Management Plan.

• Support environmental control processes related to hazardous materials and geotechnical risks. Design & Construction Support

• Review geotechnical aspects of Construction Environmental Control Plans (CECPs) and ensure alignment with project specifications.

• Evaluate subsurface investigations, foundation designs, and ground improvement techniques proposed by contractors.

• Assist in the development and review of mitigation plans for geotechnical risks and construction impacts.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure geotechnical compliance with NEPA, Section 106, and other federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

• Support the preparation of technical memoranda and supplemental environmental impact statements related to geotechnical changes.

• Monitor and document geotechnical testing, inspections, and quality assurance activities.

Coordination & Reporting

• Collaborate with SEP, GDC, and Project Contractors to integrate geotechnical data into BIM models and project controls.

• Contribute to Daily, Monthly, and Quarterly Package Reports with geotechnical findings and recommendations.

• Participate in meetings with Technical Standards Committees and Senior Project Coordinating Committees.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.

• Minimum 15 years of experience in geotechnical engineering on large-scale infrastructure or transportation projects.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

• Expertise in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, ground improvement, and geotechnical instrumentation.

• Familiarity with NEPA, environmental permitting, and construction compliance frameworks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with federally funded rail or tunnel projects.

• Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, gINT).

• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills.

• Knowledge of BIM integration for geotechnical data.

Security Clearance Requirement:

None

This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.

For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people’s quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers’ visions—and to help them see what's next!

Salary Range: $155,600.00 - $280,100.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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