Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Nuclear Site Development

Job Description Summary

The Senior Geotechnical Engineer for Nuclear Site Development will be part of a multi-discipline Civil/Structural technical team of dedicated engineers and scientists responsible for the application of GEH new plant technology (e.g. BWRX-300 Standard Plant) to each prospective customer site, including comprehensive engineering input to the development of new plant proposals, early works agreements and new product offerings. In this position, you will serve as the technical authority for ground-structure interactions related to SMR site characterization and foundation design for new nuclear plant sites. You will be responsible for subsurface investigations, seismic site response analysis, and the design/monitoring of critical foundations. The results of your work will ensure the geological integrity of the site for the life of the plant, and will directly feed safety analysis reports submitted to associated regulatory bodies. Leveraging your subject matter expertise in geotechnical engineering and site characterization, you will support the development of detailed statements of work for current and subsequent project phases, proposal technical write-ups, engineering estimates, schedule development and risk assessments in support of site selection, site permitting, and construction/operation licensing milestones.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead complex subsurface exploration programs, including geophysical surveys, deep borings, and cross-hole seismic testing.
• Oversee the design of Seismic Category I foundations, deep soil mixing, or rock anchoring systems required below-grade containment structures.
• Ensure all geotechnical lab testing and field inspections comply with NQA-1 standards.
• Provide engineering input and, when needed, technical defense of the Geotechnical and Seismology section of an NRC, or similar international, license application.
• Support the development of site‑specific Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) and determination of Safe Shutdown Earthquake (SSE) parameters.
• Review or develop 3D hydrogeological models to ensure groundwater chemistry and flow do not impact the longevity or safety of the reactor’s concrete foundations.
• Review and confirm heavy‑haul paths for arrival of heavy components and modules on site.
• Anticipate and develop forward‑looking mitigation strategies for geotechnical risks known to impact construction schedules, such as discovery of non‑capable faults/voids, heaving of excavation floors, non‑conforming backfill, etc.
• Contribute to an engineering team that assures proposals and early works packages for selected sites are compatible with our standard product offering.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationship with internal engineering teams.
• Interface with external partners, customers, and other applicable country specific regulatory agencies as required on technical issues.
• Work with proposal and early works teams to build estimates, schedules, and identify risks associated with different opportunities.
• Provide guidance to external partner engineering resources to ensure the quality of deliverables.
• Support commercial and marketing opportunities to develop new business opportunities.
• Protect the Intellectual Property rights of GEVH.
• Support GEVH initiatives, corrective action, process improvement and simplification.
• Ensure adherence to GEVH’s standards for nuclear safety and compliance.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, or related discipline.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering.
• At least 5 years of experience in the nuclear industry or equivalent large scale new build experience in the power generation industry.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The preferred work location for this role is at the GEH Headquarters Wilmington, NC but highly qualified remote candidates will be considered.
• This role may require access to U.S. export‑controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export‑controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology
• Professional Engineer registration in one or more states.
• GE or CEG license
• Deep expertise in soil‑structure interaction (SSI) modeling, slope stability under seismic loading, and settlement analysis for heavy modular loads.
• Strong knowledge of requirements associated with building‑to‑building seismic interaction
• Strong knowledge of NRC RG 1.132, RG 1.138, ASCE 7, IBC, ASTM D1557, and/or ISO 9001.
• Experience with nuclear site characterization and managing a split quality site
• Experience managing very large excavation projects
• Deep knowledge of soil mechanics, mass grading, and heavy excavation
• Advanced skills using Autodesk AEC Collection (Civil 3D), Bentley Infrastructure (OpenRoads), and/or equivalent site design suite.
• Proven ability to be a liaison between organizations that are operating in separate geographic locations
• High performing individual with demonstrated ability to deliver results while exhibiting behaviors that promote strong team performance
• Proven interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to think strategically, be creative and move quickly
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team of highly experienced engineers and balance multiple demands and priorities
• High performing energetic leader with demonstrated ability to deliver results while exhibiting behaviors that promote strong team performance
• Experience with project management skillset (communication, risk, planning/scheduling, change mgmt)
• EPC experience and knowledge; specifically, power plant
• Understanding of nuclear industry and technology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to document, plan, market and manage programs that further the knowledge, understanding and capability of the business

This role requires access to U.S. export‑controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export‑controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Additional Information

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

Remote position. Application Deadline: April 14, 2026. For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $111,200.00 and $213,200.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus. This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on April 01, 2026.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse‑based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax‑advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.

GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs. GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.