Assistant Geotechnical Engineer (Houston)

Burns & McDonnell; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer to support licensed professionals on a range of projects in Houston. You will assist with field reconnaissance, subsurface investigations, data compilation, and geotechnical design from concept through construction.

This entry-level role emphasizes collaboration, analytical thinking, and preparation of calculations and reports, with opportunities to learn Ensoft LPILE, GeoStudio, and UTEXAS4, and to develop client interaction skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field; ABET preferred.
• Master's degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering with geotechnical emphasis preferred.
• Prior internship or related consulting experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of geotechnical engineering techniques, principles and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work methodically and analytically with strong problem solving.
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Basic geotechnical software skills (Ensoft LPILE, GeoStudio/UTEXAS4) preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, collaboration, and leadership.
• EIT certification preferred; 3.0 GPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with field reconnaissance and geological research to evaluate site conditions.
• Assists with development of work scopes and subcontracts for subsurface investigations.
• Assists with data compilation and analysis for geotechnical design.
• Assists with field observation of site investigation activities.
• Supports geotechnical design from conceptual phase through design completion.
• Assists in hazard assessments, foundation design, slope stability, and earthwork.
• Prepares design calculations, reports, specifications and construction documents.
• Contributes to client presentations and project administration.
• Performs geotechnical-related construction observation during projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Campus involvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering

Tools

Ensoft LPILE

GeoStudio

UTEXAS4

Liquefaction analysis software

Wall design software

Job description

Description

The Assistant Geotechnical Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to assist project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects including power, process, corporate, pipeline, airports, institutional, industrial, manufacturing, government and military facilities. The Assistant Geotechnical Engineer will work with the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting geotechnical plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs. Field assignment time will be dependent upon project requirements.

• Assists with field reconnaissance and geological research to evaluate site-specific geologic and hydrogeologic conditions and risks.

• Assists with development of work scopes and subcontracts for subsurface investigations in support of geotechnical design and evaluation efforts.

• Assists with performance of research and compiles project related data as required by the project team.

• Assists with compiling geotechnical data, boring logs and subsurface profiles.

• Assists with field observation of site investigation activities.

• Assists in the geotechnical design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion.

• Assists in geotechnical hazard assessments, design of shallow and deep foundations, settlement analysis, slope stability analyses, and earthwork.

• Assists in the preparation and review of engineering design calculations, reports, specifications and construction documents, and other technical documents as needed.

• Applies basic knowledge of commonly used geotechnical engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the geotechnical engineering services industry.

• Assists with client presentations and contract administration.

• Performs geotechnical-related construction observation during the construction phase of projects.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from a recognized, accredited program. ABET accreditation strongly preferred.

• A master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering (with Geotechnical Emphasis) from a recognized, accredited program strongly preferred. ABET accreditation strongly preferred.

• Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.

• Basic knowledge in standard geotechnical engineering techniques, principles and procedures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.

• Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

• Basic geotechnical software skills preferred, including Ensoft LPILE, slope stability (GeoStudio or UTEXAS4), liquefaction analysis software, excavation support and wall design software.

• Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated leadership skills.

• Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.

• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.

• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Geotechnical Engineering

Primary Location US-TX-Houston

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-JF #M&S