Phd Soil Science Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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AECOM is seeking a highly motivated senior geotechnical engineer and laboratory manager to support mine tailings storage facility design and analysis as part of the Mining group in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides project leadership in the areas of design, investigation, analysis, construction and operation of Tailings Storage Facilities and multi-disciplinary mining projects
• Develop project proposals and work with mining business leader to support and grow the practice.
• Plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the engineering project, focusing on the design and operations of mine tailing projects.
• Manage complex laboratory testing programs, project budgets, scopes, and schedules
• Assist mining division engineers in development of testing programs to accomplish the goals of the overall investigation, testing, and characterization programs.
• Perform and/or supervise advanced soil-mechanics tests — direct hands-on and oversight for triaxial, direct simple shear, consolidation, cyclic shear tests, permeability, and other soil mechanics tests.
• Oversee laboratory data management, including digital data capture, validation, archiving, and integration with geotechnical databases and design workflows.
• Lead laboratory and project activities in accordance with applicable tailings governance frameworks emphasizing risk reduction and defensible engineering decisions.
• Implement and maintain QA/QC and accreditation programs — maintain certifications/accreditations, prepare for internal and external audits, and document corrective actions.
• Client communication and technical review — present findings to clients, respond to technical queries, and perform peer reviews of lab programs and reports for quality assurance.
• Provide direction to and mentoring to other technical staff in completing engineering project tasks.

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS + 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s OR PhD in Civil Engineering or related field of study.
• 10+ years or more of relevant experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License.
• Demonstrated progressive experience in tailings storage facility design, evaluation, construction monitoring, and operations.
• Experience supporting independent technical reviews, Engineer of Record (EoR) teams, or external audits for tailings facilities.
• Familiarity with design reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Knowledge of standard geotechnical and hydrological software program and evaluations.
• Must be resourceful, highly organized, professional with attention to detail and people.
• Experience performing advanced soil mechanics laboratory testing.
• Experience developing SOPs and managing an advanced soil mechanics laboratory.

• Sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.