Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Job Description

This Geotechnical Project Engineer role leads and delivers geotechnical projects from initial subsurface investigation through design and construction support.

You will plan and oversee field and laboratory programs, perform geotechnical analyses, and prepare calculations, reports, drawings, and specifications that support civil infrastructure and site development projects.

You will collaborate closely with civil, structural, and architectural partners, provide technical guidance to junior staff, and maintain technical ownership of multiple concurrent projects while ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical projects from investigation through design and construction support, maintaining technical ownership throughout the project lifecycle.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee subsurface investigations, including drilling programs, field testing, and sampling activities.
• Coordinate and manage laboratory testing programs, ensuring appropriate test selection, quality control, and timely delivery of results.
• Perform geotechnical analyses and calculations, including soil and foundation analysis, slope stability, deep foundations, earth retention systems, and pavement design.
• Develop geotechnical design recommendations and provide clear, practical guidance to project teams and clients.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, technical memoranda, calculations, and supporting documentation for internal review and client delivery.
• Prepare drawings and technical specifications to support geotechnical design, construction documents, and project deliverables.
• Assist with the preparation of project proposals, scopes of work, and fee estimates in coordination with project leadership.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, and architectural partners, to integrate geotechnical solutions into overall project designs.
• Support construction activities by reviewing mix designs, submittals, and other construction-related documentation for geotechnical aspects.
• Conduct job site visits to observe construction activities, evaluate field conditions, and provide on-site geotechnical support and recommendations.
• Coordinate and communicate with contractors and clients to address geotechnical issues, clarify design intent, and resolve field challenges.
• Mentor and support junior staff by reviewing their work, providing technical guidance, and fostering professional development.
• Participate in project and coordination meetings, presenting geotechnical findings, recommendations, and design considerations.
• Support billing and project administration processes, helping to track project progress, budgets, and schedule commitments.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable industry standards, codes, and regulations, and maintain a strong commitment to quality and safety.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of geotechnical engineering experience with increasing responsibility.
• Hands‑on experience in geotechnical project engineering, including leading investigations and developing design recommendations.
• Proficiency in geotechnical design and analysis for foundations, earth retention systems, pavement design, and slope stability.
• Experience with geotechnical design software and analysis tools used for foundations, earth retention, pavement design, and slope stability.
• Strong background in site investigation, soil analysis, field testing, and laboratory testing.
• Ability to oversee drilling operations, laboratory testing, and construction support activities.
• Demonstrated experience preparing engineering calculations, technical reports, and specifications.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences including clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Self‑motivated with strong time management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Collaborative team player with leadership capability and a willingness to support and guide junior staff.
• Strong problem‑solving ability and sound engineering judgment when addressing complex geotechnical challenges.
• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality in all deliverables.
• Additional Skills & Qualifications
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and technical staff on geotechnical projects.
• Proven ability to coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, and architectural professionals.
• Experience supporting billing and project administration processes, including tracking budgets and schedules.
• Comfort working in both office and field environments, including job site visits and coordination with contractors.
• Ability to build strong client relationships through clear communication, reliability, and technical excellence.
• Interest in contributing to a growing geotechnical practice that is integrated with civil engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and geotechnical consulting services.

Work Environment

The geotechnical department includes a mix of office and field staff, with approximately 10 team members working in the office and more than 30 working in the field.

This role is primarily field‑based, with a requirement to be present at the Auburn Hills laboratory approximately one day per week.

The position follows a full‑time schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m., with overtime as project needs require.

When work exceeds 40 hours in a week and includes weekend work, double‑time pay is available for hours worked on Saturday and Sunday.

The role involves local travel to job sites during business hours to support investigations and construction activities.

Physical activities include walking, standing, and lifting up to 25 pounds as part of field and site work.

The organization offers an integrated and collaborative environment that brings together civil engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and geotechnical consulting, with a long‑standing history and a growing national presence across multiple offices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $43.00/hr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
• Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Auburn Hills, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions.

We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market.

With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.

S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a Clearly Rated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices. com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates.

AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team.

By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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