Associate Geotechnical Engineer: Field & Foundations Pro

WSP Global Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. in Southern California (Irvine/San Diego/Los Angeles) seeks an Associate Geotechnical Engineer with 1–3 years post-degree experience. The role includes plan and support subsurface explorations, data collection, laboratory coordination, and geotechnical reporting under supervision.

You will perform engineering calculations, develop recommendations, and assist with QA/QC, client communications, and compliance with safety standards. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 1 to 3 years of relevant post-education experience.
• Experience with desktop and industry-specific software (e.g., MSOffice, AutoCAD, and MSProject) required.
• Hands on knowledge on the use of field equipment.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish effective internal and external working relationships.
• Ability to communicate clearly with on-site contractors, supervisor or project manager regarding work assignments required.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Frequent local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and support subsurface explorations (e.g., borings, test pits, CPTs) and coordinate with drillers, surveyors, and utility locators as needed.
• Identifying ways to improve our field data collection or reporting templates to make our team more efficient and competitive.
• Log soil and rock in the field; document groundwater, sampling, and drilling conditions; and maintain organized field notes and photo records.
• Coordinate laboratory testing programs (index, strength, consolidation, corrosion, etc.) and review results for completeness and reasonableness.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses (e.g., bearing capacity, settlement, lateral earth pressures, slope stability screening, and seismic site considerations) using accepted methods and software tools.
• Peer-reviewing the work of junior staff and technicians to ensure our deliverables are error‑free and professionally presented.
• Develop preliminary and final geotechnical recommendations for foundations, slabs, earthwork, excavations, temporary support, and earth retention systems, as applicable to the project.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, memoranda, figures, and tables that clearly communicate findings, assumptions, and recommendations.
• Support construction‑phase services such as grading/excavation observations, footing subgrade evaluations, pile installation monitoring support, and documentation of nonconformance and corrective actions.
• Apply QA/QC practices to calculations and deliverables; follow internal standards, checklists, and peer review processes.
• Communicate with project managers, design team members, contractors, and clients to address technical questions and field issues in a timely manner.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental requirements; help identify hazards and implement appropriate controls during field activities.
• Track assigned tasks, budgets, and schedules; provide status updates and proactively raise risks or scope changes.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Self-leadership

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

AutoCAD

MS Project

Job description

WSP Global Inc. in Southern California (Irvine/San Diego/Los Angeles) seeks an Associate Geotechnical Engineer with 1–3 years post-degree experience. The role includes plan and support subsurface explorations, data collection, laboratory coordination, and geotechnical reporting under supervision.

You will perform engineering calculations, develop recommendations, and assist with QA/QC, client communications, and compliance with safety standards. Travel may be required.