
Trenchless Engineer
HDR · Rosemont, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Rosemont, IL
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Subject: Interested in the Trenchless Engineer role at HDR
Hi Casey — I came across the Trenchless Engineer opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and HDR stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Join HDR's national Trenchless Services team.
- Support trenchless engineering, design, and construction.
- Manage projects and interface with clients.
- Requires Professional Engineer license.
- Significant opportunity for growth and development.
About the role
Trenchless Engineer
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
HDR is looking for a Trenchless Engineer to join our national Trenchless Services team. This role will provide significant opportunity for professional growth and development. The Trenchless Engineer will report to the Trenchless Services Engineering Lead, having primary responsibilities supporting the execution of design and field services associated with trenchless services: engineering, design, and construction applications.
Responsibilities
The Trenchless Engineer will contribute to the Trenchless Program by utilizing their experience and expertise to support engineering and design practices, including hydraulic fracture and inadvertent returns analyses, front-end information collection initiatives, such as geotechnical investigation programs and survey coordination for incorporation into critical engineering and design decisions and constructability evaluations, evaluating feasibility of trenchless design and construction, and making recommendations for mitigation as needed throughout the lifecycle of trenchless projects (planning through construction). Data management, quality control of design and construction data, planning, and risk management for supporting all trenchless initiatives are also included in the primary responsibilities for this role.
The Trenchless Engineer will manage the execution of the full Trenchless suite of services for all-inclusive projects or as a component to a larger project that includes Trenchless installations. As a licensed Professional Engineer, they will be expected to review, stamp, and seal Trenchless project-related deliverables. The Trenchless Engineer will also be expected to interface with clients and take on a project management role on Trenchless projects as assigned. They will travel as-needed to support field-based assignments, with the frequency and duration of travel depending on workload; extensive travel may be required at any given time. Field-based responsibilities will include site reconnaissance and oversight of trenchless pipeline installations. While in the field, the Trenchless Engineer will monitor and report on daily activities and present field data in a timely manner with a high level of quality. While performing the field-based tasks, the Trenchless Engineer will be required to communicate regularly with all members of the Trenchless Services Team as required for the projects at hand.
On a day-to-day basis, they’ll also be expected to:
- Perform desktop route selection and evaluate feasibility for design and construction of trenchless crossings.
- Carry out site reconnaissance visits.
- Develop a subsurface investigation program for determination of feasibility of construction for various trenchless installation methods.
- Evaluate surface and subsurface conditions based on collected data and information to determine feasibility of trenchless construction and preferred construction technique.
- Interface with the Team’s various discipline leads and production staff (e.g., geotechnical, CAD, etc.) and communicate frequently to support development of trenchless design deliverables.
- Communicate regularly with clients regarding project status and technical discussions related to trenchless construction applications.
- Estimate quantities of materials used and disposed of for trenchless pipeline installations.
- Estimate installation loading and stress for trenchless pipeline installations.
- Assess the application of trenchless technologies (Horizontal Directional Drilling, microtunneling, tunneling, Direct Pipe®, etc.) and participate in the definition and selection of preferred method(s).
- Perform calculations to determine carrier pipe and coating specifications.
- Define workspace requirements for applicable construction equipment at trenchless crossing locations.
- Prepare and/or review pertinent project documentation including: project design/construction specifications, bid packages, drawings, design reports, engineering assessments, and data sets.
- Build knowledge and use available software models for trenchless pipeline design.
- Interface with project team members outside of the Trenchless Team and other company functions throughout project execution on multidisciplinary projects.
- Develop permit application documents and drawings.
- Be aware of and understand the applicable industry standards and governing codes relevant to the various market sectors for which the Trenchless Team performs work (e.g., Oil and Gas, Water/Wastewater, Power, etc.).
- Ensure that documents, calculations, and reports are developed in compliance with the governing project legislation and standardization.
- Prepare field engineering and as-built documents.
- Concur in the definition/updating of department standards and procedures, as well as ensure adequate feedback/lessons learned from projects.
- Focus on successful project execution, applying HDR’s PMO processes and in alignment with client project delivery goals.
- Establish and execute workflow delivery that will be applied for all projects including Trenchless engineering, design, subcontracted services, and construction applications.
- Procure, manage, and coordinate with subconsultants providing various services to Trenchless projects.
- Perform construction oversight and/or observation in the field, monitoring and reporting on daily construction activities, identifying problematic conditions and providing recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including experience in consulting/engineering, and preferably with Horizontal Directional Drilling, microtunneling, and/or Direct Pipe®.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
- Experience in AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Experience in remote work environment.
- Experience in design and knowledge in trenchless construction methods.
- Team-oriented with strong desire to be accountable and reliable for contributions.
- Strong writing and computer skills, including proven experience in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to handle multiple assignments, managing time and prioritizing tasks appropriately and independently to meet deadlines.
- Self-motivated and ability to work autonomously, while remaining in frequent communication with the rest of the team who are located in other offices around the country.
- Accountability for time and work ethic.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Travel is required; frequency and duration will be dependent on project needs and may be extensive at times.
- This position is subject to a pre-employment drug test.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Previous experience with Microsoft Office applications, MicroStation or other software as appropriate
- Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage and deep foundation response software, as appropriate
- Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
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 away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) The targeted salary range for this position (based on experience and location) is $125,000 - $150,000.
Key skills/competency
- Trenchless Engineering
- Horizontal Directional Drilling
- Microtunneling
- Direct Pipe
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Design and Construction
- Project Management
- Client Interface
- Risk Management
- Engineering Analysis
Skills & topics
- Trenchless Engineer
- Trenchless Services
- Horizontal Directional Drilling
- Microtunneling
- Direct Pipe
- Professional Engineer
- Project Management
- Civil Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Construction
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your Professional Engineer license, 10+ years of experience in trenchless technologies (HDD, microtunneling, Direct Pipe®), and PMP certification.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, GeoStudio/Ensoft, and Bentley geotechnical software.
- Demonstrate soft skills: Provide examples of managing multiple assignments, working autonomously, and collaborating with remote teams.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your project management approach, client interaction experience, and understanding of trenchless construction methods.
- Understand company culture: Research HDR's commitment to employee ownership, inclusion, and making a positive impact.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Trenchless Engineer position at HDR?
- The targeted salary range for the Trenchless Engineer position at HDR is $125,000 - $150,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, education, and geographical location.
- What are the primary responsibilities of a Trenchless Engineer at HDR?
- A Trenchless Engineer at HDR supports engineering and design for trenchless services, including analyzing feasibility, managing projects, conducting site reconnaissance, estimating materials, and preparing project documentation. They also manage trenchless installations and may interface with clients and take on project management roles.
- What qualifications are required for the Trenchless Engineer role?
- Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree, a Professional Engineer license, experience with Microsoft Office and relevant engineering software (e.g., GeoStudio/Ensoft, Bentley geotechnical software), and a commitment to HDR's employee-owned culture.
- What are the preferred qualifications for a Trenchless Engineer at HDR?
- Preferred qualifications include a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in trenchless technologies like Horizontal Directional Drilling, microtunneling, or Direct Pipe®, PMP certification, and experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Does the Trenchless Engineer role require travel?
- Yes, travel is required for the Trenchless Engineer position. The frequency and duration will depend on project needs and may be extensive at times, including field-based assignments for site reconnaissance and oversight of trenchless pipeline installations.
- What kind of projects does the Trenchless Engineer work on at HDR?
- The Trenchless Engineer works on various trenchless projects, including Horizontal Directional Drilling, microtunneling, tunneling, and Direct Pipe® installations, across sectors like Oil and Gas, Water/Wastewater, and Power.
- What is HDR's approach to diversity and inclusion for the Trenchless Engineer role?
- HDR is committed to employment equity and fosters an inclusive environment where all employees are valued and empowered. They have Employee Network Groups to support belonging and ensure all qualified applicants are considered.
- What benefits does HDR offer to its employees, including Trenchless Engineers?
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