Senior Geotechnical Specialist KEO International Consultants

Overview KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration through conceptualization to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 60 years we ve led with vision, contributing to many of the world s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities. As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 51 st largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2024 WA100 Survey. We invite you to join us. Why? When you join KEO, you ll discover more than just a job you ll find a supportive environment that fosters your professional development through internal global mobility and career development and does so within a culture that supports company-wide health and well-being through on-demand counselling services and regular workplace clinics. You will be invited to celebrate community events such as sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams and beach clean ups. In addition to your competitive package and benefits you will have access to a suite of policies that include hybrid working arrangements, individual athletic sponsorship, study assistance sponsorship, employee referral rewards. Responsibilities Our newest opportunity is for talented Senior Geotechnical Specialist to join our award-winning team based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This critical role will be assisting in all geotechnical engineering matters across planning, design, procurement, and construction phases. The role ensures that ground-related risks are properly identified, managed, and mitigated, and that all geotechnical works meet project requirements, and regulatory obligations. We envisage success in this role to include; Technical Oversight & Advisory: Reviewing and approving geotechnical investigation plans, reports, and recommendations prepared by consultants and contractor s specialists. Suggesting the Employer the feasibility of ground improvement requirement. Providing expert advice on soil, rock, groundwater conditions, and foundation solutions based on 3 rd party reports. Ensuring alignment of geotechnical designs with project requirements, codes, and standards. Evaluating geotechnical design alternatives (foundations, slopes, retaining structures, ground improvement methods). Project Planning & Risk Management: Identifying geotechnical risks during early project stages and develop mitigation strategies. Contributing to feasibility studies, land acquisition assessments, and site selection from a geotechnical perspective. Establishing geotechnical design criteria, design basis reports, and performance requirements. Participating in value engineering exercises to optimize cost and constructability. Consultant & Contractor Management: Coordinating and managing geotechnical 3 rd party consultants and testing agencies. Reviewing contractor method statements, temporary works designs, and construction methodologies related to geotechnical works. Ensuring contractors comply with geotechnical specifications and approved designs. Resolving technical queries (RFIs) related to geotechnical aspects. Construction Phase Support: Monitoring geotechnical activities such as excavations, piling, ground improvement, and earthworks. Reviewing instrumentation and monitoring data (settlement, vibration, groundwater levels). Identifying and addressing unexpected ground conditions or deviations from design assumptions. Supporting dispute resolution related to ground conditions and claims. Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensuring compliance with project specifications, international standards (e.g., Eurocode, ASTM, BS), and local regulations. Reviewing geotechnical testing results and quality control documentation. Participating in audits, inspections, and technical reviews. Stakeholder Coordination: Interfacing with design teams, construction teams, authorities, and third-party stakeholders. Providing geotechnical inputs to multidisciplinary coordination meetings. Supporting permitting and approvals related to ground and foundation works. Documentation & Reporting: Preparing and reviewing technical reports, risk registers, and project updates. Maintaining proper documentation of geotechnical decisions and approvals. Providing regular updates to senior management on geotechnical risks and progress. Qualifications To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that your career journey to date will include 12-15 years of work experience partnered with a Bachelor's or Masters degree in Civil Engineering with specialization in Geotechnical Engineering or equivalent. Furthermore , you should demonstrate: Experience in client-side, consultancy, or large infrastructure projects. Regional experience (e.g., Middle East soil conditions) is advantageous. Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of: Soil mechanics and rock mechanics Foundation systems (shallow, deep foundations) Ground improvement techniques Excavation support systems (shoring, diaphragm walls, sheet piles) Familiar with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar. Strong understanding of international codes and standards. Key Skills: Strong technical judgment and problem-solving ability Risk management and analytical thinking Stakeholder management and coordination Effective communication and reporting skills KEO s performance is founded upon integrity, results, innovation, safety and our people. We embrace diversity and recognise its contribution to client success wherever we work. We are excited to hear how you can partner with our award-winning team and treat all expressions of interest confidentially.