Geotechnical Project Engineer

Job Overview

We are seeking a motivated Geotechnical Project Engineer to join our growing engineering team. This position will support a wide range of geotechnical and construction-related projects through field investigations, engineering analysis, design, technical reporting, construction observation, and coordination with clients, contractors, and project teams. This position will support the traditional geotechnical engineering market, with opportunity to assist with geostructural design-build projects through design and continuity from geotechnical investigations.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically curious, and interested in developing practical engineering judgment through a combination of office-based design and field-based project experience. This role is well suited for an early-to-mid career engineer looking to grow in geotechnical engineering, foundation design, earth retention, slope stability, construction support, and specialty geotechnical systems.

This position follows a hybrid schedule, with approximately one week per month spent onsite in our Lexington, KY office.

Key Responsibilities

· Perform geotechnical engineering tasks under the direction of senior engineers and project managers.

· Assist in planning and coordinating geotechnical field investigations, including borings, test pits, sampling, field testing, and subcontractor coordination.

· Review and interpret boring logs, laboratory test results, geologic information, groundwater data, field notes, and construction documents.

· Assist with preparation of geotechnical engineering reports, construction observation reports, design memoranda, proposals, and technical specifications.

· Assist with preparation of geotechnical recommendations for foundations, site preparation, excavation support, earthwork, retaining structures, drainage, and construction considerations.

· Prepare engineering sketches, figures, calculations, specifications, and technical memoranda.

· Assist with evaluation and design of shallow foundations, deep foundations, retaining walls, earth retention systems, slopes, embankments, ground improvement, pavement sections, and other geotechnical project elements.

· Perform engineering calculations related to bearing capacity, settlement, lateral earth pressures, slope stability, seepage, foundation capacity, pile/micropile/helical pile design, and construction support.

· Perform field work related to subsurface explorations, soil and rock logging, construction observation, and geotechnical testing.

· Observe construction activities for general conformance with project plans, specifications, and geotechnical recommendations.

· Document field activities, site conditions, contractor operations, test results, and construction progress through clear and timely field reports.

· Communicate field conditions, changed conditions, or potential issues to project managers and senior engineering staff.

· Maintain organized project files, calculations, field records, and supporting documentation.

· Work closely with engineers, project managers, drafters, field staff, laboratory staff, contractors, and clients.

· Participate in internal design discussions, project meetings, site visits, and construction coordination meetings.

· Support project managers with scope development, scheduling, budgets, and coordination of field and laboratory activities.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

· 2–8 years of relevant geotechnical, civil, construction, or materials testing experience.

· Engineer-in-Training certification or ability to obtain EIT certification preferred.

· Basic understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, geotechnical analysis, and construction practices.

· Ability to read and interpret boring logs, laboratory test data, construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

· Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

· Willingness to perform field work and travel to project sites as needed, including occasional overnight travel. Field assignments may require field time, including overnight travel, up to 50% of the time.

· Ability to work in both office and field environments.

Preferred Qualifications

· Professional Engineer licensure.

· Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.

· Prior professional experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, foundation design, or construction observation.

· Experience with geotechnical software such as Slide2, RS2, LPile, GROUP, DeepFND, Settle3, PLAXIS, gINT, OpenGround, or similar programs.

· Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, GIS, or other design and drafting tools.

· Familiarity with FHWA, ASTM, AASHTO, DOT, IBC, ACI, AISC, FHWA, or local agency standards.

· Experience with shallow foundations, deep foundations, earth retention, slope stability, ground improvement, dams, levees, pavements, or specialty geotechnical construction.

· ACI, NICET, OSHA 10/30-hour, nuclear gauge, or DOT materials testing certifications.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to perform field work on active construction sites and undeveloped project sites.

· Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.

· Ability to walk on uneven terrain, climb slopes or embankments, and access excavation or drilling areas.

· Ability to lift and carry field equipment, soil samples, and testing materials as needed.

· Ability to comply with company, client, and project-specific safety requirements.

Key Competencies

· Strong technical aptitude and desire to grow as a geotechnical engineer.

· Careful attention to detail in calculations, reports, drawings, and field documentation.

· Ability to balance field observations with engineering judgment.

· Strong communication skills with clients, contractors, engineers, and field personnel.

· Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.

· Dependable, safety-focused, and team-oriented.

· Willingness to learn from senior engineers and take increasing responsibility over time.

Job Type

Full-time

This position is preferably based in our Lexington, Kentucky office, with regular in-person collaboration expected. Remote or hybrid work arrangements may be considered for qualified candidates based on experience, location, and project needs.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with a 30‐day + 1st of the month eligibility period

Telehealth and virtual primary care access

Simple IRA(retirement plan) with employer match up to 3%

Tenure‐based PTO program

Standard paid holidays

Company paid life insurance Employee assistance program Relocation assistance

Compensation Package

This is a salaried position

Bonus opportunities

GeoSpecialties is a rapidly growing geotechnical engineering and specialty construction company serving transportation agencies, utilities, railroads, contractors, and private owners throughout the eastern United States.

Our projects include deep foundations, drilling, grouting, slope stabilization, retaining walls, ground improvement, and other specialty geotechnical construction services.