Who We Are

Willdan Geotechnical is a division of Willdan which was established in 1964. The original geotechnical division with Willdan became a separate corporate entity, Arroyo Geotechnical, from October 2001 to April 2008, and has once again become Willdan Geotechnical as part of a new unified corporate identity.

Depth of Services

Willdan Geotechnical offers a full complement of geotechnical engineering and engineering geology capabilities, including a full-service geotechnical laboratory. Services are provided for public agencies’ capital improvement projects, private developers or as second party reviewers.

Diverse, Integrated Solutions

Frequently, our clients face many geologic and geotechnical challenges that require cost-effective, diverse, and integrated solutions. Willdan Geotechnical responds with cost-effective and innovative expertise which encompasses innovative techniques and proven management skills for all phases of a project including feasibility and site evaluation, geotechnical engineering and design, construction monitoring and inspection, materials testing, and post construction assessments.

Licensed and Experienced Staff

Willdan Geotechnical brings to each project licensed and experienced staff, familiar with local geologic and geotechnical conditions, technical standards, quality control procedures, and research and development.

Ross Khiabani, P.E., G.E.

President and CEO of Willdan Geotechnical, Mr. Khiabani brings more than 25 years of professional experience in performing diversified geotechnical assignments involving soil mechanics and foundation engineering, soil stabilization, landslide analysis and stabilization, settlement evaluations, liquefaction studies, temporary and permanent slope stability analysis, and laboratory testing and analysis. He has extensive experience with Southern California seismic design requirements. Mr. Khiabani has managed numerous projects for private and public clients ranging from commercial, industrial, water and wastewater facilities, port and harbor facilities to roads and toll roads.

Mr. Khiabani is also a registered engineer in Arizona and Nevada and has served in similar positions in the industry.

Vincent Ip, P.E., G.E.

Vice President of Willdan Geotechnical, Mr. Ip has more than 20 years of hands-on experience in the environmental and geotechnical engineering fields. He has successfully managed and completed various projects that include landfills, military base cleanup, bridges, pipelines, earth retaining structures, mid- and high-rise buildings, public schools, and essential service buildings. Mr. Ip's areas of expertise include seismic hazards evaluation, deep foundation, shoring design, and settlement analysis. His well-rounded background enables him to provide practical solutions to both complex and day-to-day issues related to environmental and geotechnical engineering.

Mr. Ip is a California registered professional engineer and registered geotechnical engineer. He is also a registered engineer in Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.

Joe Ritchey

Materials Testing Manager for Willdan Geotechnical, Mr. Ritchey brings a vast variety of experience:  over 30 years in the construction industry, with the past 18 years specializing in construction inspection and materials testing. During that time he has worked in a multitude of trades and as a field superintendent. Mr. Ritchey has a broad based knowledge of construction and plan reading. Mr. Ritchey earned his DSA approval in structural masonry & veneer in 1996 and has extensive experience with the Division of State Architect (DSA). He has worked with numerous school districts, including Los Angeles, Glendale, Baldwin Park, Palmdale, San Gabriel, Tustin, and West LA Community College.  Mr. Ritchey also worked as an Assistant Inspector-of-Record servicing:  Fountain Valley USD, West LA Community College, and Tustin School District. Mr. Ritchey has also managed material testing labs and numerous projects relating to special inspection and materials testing including bridges, hospitals, schools, parking structures, large apartment complexes, aquatics centers, pipe lines, research labs and high profile projects, Mr. Ritchey is a board member and treasurer of the South Coast Chapter of American Construction Inspector Association (ACIS).