Job Description:
Nextpower is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join the Project Engineering Team in Sydney, Australia. This role works directly with key accounts across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, managing day-to-day geotechnical engineering activities on utility-scale PV projects from the development phase through construction support.The position is responsible for geotechnical engineering decisions across Nextpower’s projects, including scoping and reviewing site investigations, analysis of geotechnical reports, foundation design of solar trackers, pile load testing, soil corrosion assessment, and other related engineering tasks that support project quoting and design packages. The role also interfaces with engineering teams in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, and India, as well as internal Sales, Project Management, and R&D teams globally.
Responsibilities
Analyze geotechnical reports, corrosion data, and soil risks for tracker foundation systems
Support the project development phase by reviewing site information, calculations, and cost estimates
Review geotechnical reports and recommend appropriate design parameters
Calculate skin friction, end bearing, and lateral resistance based on geotechnical data
Determine characteristic surface movement due to soil swelling and shrinkage based on literature and geotechnical data
Conduct site visits to supervise geotechnical investigations and pile load testing, including domestic and regional international travel
Prepare foundation calculations, drawings, and documentation, including chartered sign-off when required
Provide construction support by responding to RFIs and reviewing submittals
Support the development of Nextpower products by developing a thorough understanding of the product portfolio
Coordinate with structural and geotechnical engineers in Sydney and other regions to develop and maintain engineering procedures, specifications, templates, and design tools
Coordinate, manage, schedule, and review third-party engineering work
Assist in the continued development of the expanding Nextpower Design Services team
Required Skills and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent
Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering preferred
Strong knowledge of applicable engineering standards, codes, and guidelines, including AS/NZS standards
Proficiency with LPILE software
Experience with other foundation analysis software is an advantage
Approximately 5 years of experience in geotechnical or foundation engineering, preferably within the EPC industry
Chartered Engineer status or actively working toward chartership
Proficiency with MS Office, AutoCAD, and related engineering software
Demonstrated interest in renewable energy and geotechnical engineering
Self-motivated, collaborative team player.
At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.