Early Career Geotechnical Engineer

WSP in the U.S.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Early Career Geotechnical Engineer to support design, development, and construction of infrastructure projects across Tucson, Tempe, and Phoenix offices. You will assist with data collection, subsurface investigations, and basic stability analyses while learning to apply geotechnical design principles on roads, buildings, and water-related projects.

You will work under supervision, developing professional skills in technical reporting, design software, and safety practices,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geotechnical engineering or related field.
• 0–1 year post-education experience.
• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Familiarity with design/build processes and standards.
• Proficient in technical writing and office tools.
• Knowledge of listed design software.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze data from sites and geotechnical sources for project development and construction.
• Maintain QA/QC for measurements and data.
• Assist with subsurface investigations, soil/rock stability analyses, and foundation design.
• Prepare documentation using electronic systems and site logs.
• Support safety guidelines and project protocols on site.
• Travel as required by project needs.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical mindset

Interpersonal skills

Self-leadership

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

ArcGIS

InRoads

Geopak

GeoSlope

ANSYS

STADD

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

Job description

Overview

WSP is seeking an Early Career Geotechnical Engineer to work out of our Tucson, AZ, Tempe, AZ, Phoenix, AZ offices. The role involves providing local geotechnical engineering assistance for the design, development, and construction of infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sector, including roads, buildings, tunnels, dams, canals, levees, bridges, water supply systems, underground storage, and sewage treatment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, soil/water/sludge/rock samples, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface information, maps, and geotechnical data for project development, design, and construction.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements.
• Assist with performing basic professional geotechnical engineering work related to proposed and existing site conditions, including subsurface investigations, soil foundation engineering, settlement analysis, soil erosion, lateral earth pressures, geological hazards, underground water, and slope stability for a variety of projects.
• Perform routine geotechnical engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on design requirements and operating strategies to ensure safety and functionality for end‑users, systems, and infrastructure.
• Assist with verifying site characteristics and providing basic technical assistance on environmental, design, and construction issues involving rock and soil mechanics, investigating subsurface and geological conditions to design and build foundations, earth structures, and pavement sub‑grades.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and work‑site logs.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site‑specific procedures, including location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies, surveys, and construction protocols.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 0 to 1 years of relevant post‑education experience.
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with process and concepts for design/build.
• Familiarity with remediation, permitting, improvement and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Proficient interpersonal and communication skills, able to express ideas effectively to both engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
• Self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision and as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency in technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, and related tools.
• Familiarity with discipline‑specific design software (e.g., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS).
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and adherence to WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer in Training certification.
• Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
• Active membership or participation in local professional practice organizations.

Benefits

Employees are afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings plans designed to provide health and financial stability throughout the career.

Employment Eligibility

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race, Age, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Disability, or Protected Veteran Status.