Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer

GFT; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Pet insurance

401(k) savings plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Job summary

GFT is seeking an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer to join our Geotechnical, Dams & Hydraulics team in Columbus, OH. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three days onsite.

You will assist in planning subsurface explorations, perform geotechnical calculations for foundations and slope stability, and help prepare reports, drawings and specifications. Up to overnight travel to other offices or project sites may be required.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited civil engineering degree required.
• 0–3 years geotechnical experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical, organizational and report-writing abilities.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform geotechnical calculations for foundations, retaining structures, slope stability and seepage studies.
• Assist in planning subsurface explorations and laboratory testing.
• Prepare written reports, geotechnical correspondence, drawings and specifications.
• Conduct subsurface exploration activities, including field testing and data collection.
• Provide geo-construction observation during construction phases.

Skills

Strong written and verbal skills

Analytical skills

Ability to work independently and in a

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Master’s Degree with Geotechnical focus

Engineer-In-Training (EIT)

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

SLIDE

SLOPE/W

LPILE

APILE

GROUP

GRLWEAP

Settle3

gINT

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer to join our Geotechnical, Dams & Hydraulics team in our Columbus, OH office. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum 3 days of onsite office attendance. December 2026 graduates are encouraged to apply!

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

The Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer will assist in planning and overseeing subsurface explorations and performing analyses for power delivery, transportation, facilities, water resources and other types of projects.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Perform geotechnical calculations and designs for various projects and facilities, including, but not limited to shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, settlement, tieback anchors, soil nails, slope stability and seepage studies.
• Assist in the preparation of written reports and documentation, geotechnical correspondence, design and construction drawings and specifications.
• Assist in the planning of subsurface explorations and laboratory testing investigations.
• Execute subsurface investigations in support of geotechnical design and evaluation efforts, including test boring inspection, site reconnaissance, and other data collection activities as required.
• Provide specialty geo-construction observation during the construction phase of various projects.
• This position requires travel on an as-needed basis to other GFT offices, client offices, or project work sites and will include overnight/out-of-town travel.

Sponsorship is not being offered for this position.

Education | Experience

What you will bring to our firm

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 0-3 years of geotechnical experience with an emphasis in subsurface exploration and/or design and development of geotechnical deliverables including reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Demonstrated interest in geotechnical engineering through applied academic coursework, prior internships, or related work experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Excellent field observation and data collection/documentation skills.
• Must be able to physically work outdoors in all seasons including being capable of lifting 30 pounds and traversing steep slopes and rough terrain.
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis to other GFT offices, client offices, or project work sites including overnight/out-of-town travel.
• Must have valid Driver’s License.

What we prefer you bring

• Master’s Degree with a Geotechnical focus.
• Experience with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD.
• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification.
• Experience with common geotechnical software programs such as SLIDE, SLOPE/W, LPILE, APILE, GROUP, GRLWEAP, Settle3 and gINT is preferred.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Sponsorship is not being offered for this position.

Location: Columbus, OH

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.