Project Engineer - Dam/Tailings Dam Engineer

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

The Knoxville office of Schnabel is excited to be hiring a Project Engineer – Dam/Tailings Dam Engineer. Our office focuses on the evaluation, design and construction of dams and associated structures, and facilities including many coal refuse tailings dams. We provide selective, high-end engineering consultation and solutions to public and private sector clients in the East and across the US. Example projects include inspection, evaluation, design and construction of dams and spillways; dam safety risk assessments; and outlet works for projects located across the United States. We also team with our geo-professional business group to provide geotechnical engineering for transportation projects, landslide and slope stability evaluations and repairs, and excavation support systems.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze and design components related to dams and water infrastructure.
• Slope stability and seepage analyses.
• Filter compatibility analyses and evaluation of internal erosion.
• Analysis of settlement and lateral earth pressures.
• Analysis of liquefaction and seismic performance of embankment dams.
• Preparation of reports, plans, and specifications.
• Learn risk-informed approaches for evaluating dams and potential failure modes.
• Assist with risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Develop engineering recommendations and write technical reports.
• Scope and performing geotechnical explorations and laboratory testing programs.
• Perform inspections of dams and hydraulic structures and collect data and measurements in the field.
• Assist in the preparation of complete engineering plans and specifications to be part of construction documents.
• Perform construction inspections.
• Assist project managers with project coordination and administrative tasks.
• Work as a team member within the Knoxville office and across other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources.
• Engage in mentoring through on-the-job opportunities and Schnabel’s internal training programs.

Required Skills/Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
• 5+ years of design- and/or construction-oriented consulting engineering experience.
• PE licensure.
• High proficiency in writing and reviewing reports in English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at an elevated level.
• Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel.
• Experience and interest in the following types of projects:
• • Embankment and concrete dams
  • Spillways
  • Dam safety risk assessments
  • Landslide and slope stability evaluations
  • Design of retaining walls and slope repairs
  • Design of excavation support systems

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• A master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering.
• Experience with the latest version of AutoCAD & AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders, and work outside.
• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

The compensation range for this position is between $85,000 – $110,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.