Sam Salmani
EIT
Staff Geotechnical Engineer
Every structure stands on a foundation of hard work-trust, geotechnical insight, and seismic understanding. It’s how uncertainty becomes stability.
Hired
- 2025
Location
- San Diego, CA
Expertise
Practices
Sam is a Staff Geotechnical Engineer based in GeoEngineers’ San Diego office. He focuses on ensuring the stability and safety of infrastructure through geotechnical and seismic design, with particular expertise in dam engineering. Sam works to understand how soil and rock interact with structures, especially under dynamic conditions such as earthquakes, using advanced numerical modeling and performance-based design approaches.
Sam’s interest in geotechnical engineering began during his undergraduate studies with a course in soil mechanics. Fascinated by “how soil properties affect structures and are important in infrastructure design” he became a teaching assistant for the course, sparking a deeper passion for geotechnical and seismic analysis. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a career focused on risk-informed design, dam safety, and advanced geotechnical modeling.
Before joining GeoEngineers, Sam worked as a Geotechnical Engineer in the Dam Safety Section at the Nevada Department of Water Resources, where he focused on geotechnical and seismic design, dam inspections, and risk-informed decision-making. He also collaborated with the USGS at the University of Nevada, Reno, developing a shear wave velocity model to improve seismic design reliability. Earlier in his career, he designed stabilization systems for deep urban excavations, contributing to numerical modeling and risk management.
Sam emphasizes delivering high-quality, reliable solutions for clients while maintaining clear communication and collaborative teamwork. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue advancing his expertise, applying innovative approaches like AI/ML to automate tasks and make better decisions in geotechnical projects, and mentoring colleagues to support team and company growth.
Outside of work, Sam is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying volleyball-indoors or at the beach-along with hiking and biking. He also maintains a regular gym routine, believing that staying fit keeps him focused and ready for any challenge.
