Entry-Level (Staff) Geotechnical Engineer

Schnabel Engineering; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

ESOP

Bonus program

Paid time off

9 Paid Holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Schnabel Engineering in Knoxville, TN is seeking an Entry-Level (Staff) Engineer to join our geotechnical practice. You’ll develop field and analytical skills while growing within a strong, employee-owned firm.

The role emphasizes hands-on field work, collaboration with senior staff, and opportunities to contribute to geotechnical reports and viable project delivery. A path toward professional growth and certification is supported.

Qualifications

• Must have a Civil Engineering or Geology degree or related field.
• Strong communication skills in writing and speaking.
• Interest in field work and geotechnical concepts.
• Willingness to travel for months-long assignments and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Valid U.S. driver's license and ability to pass background and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Use GIS and GPS to plan and perform geotechnical field work.
• Log test borings and oversee subcontractors including drillers.
• Create basic plans and figures with AutoCAD and GIS.
• Assign and review laboratory tests and perform geotechnical calculations.
• Prepare geotechnical reports and proposals.
• Observe field construction and perform materials testing.
• Plan and coordinate field work for geotechnical and materials testing.
• Prepare and review field and testing reports.

Skills

GIS

GPS

Field work

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Geology or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Details

Posting Details

• Posted on September 15, 2026

Locations

• Knoxville, TN 37909, USA
• On-site
• Engineering
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: ENTRY002382

Description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Knoxville, TN of Schnabel Engineering is seeking an Entry-Level (Staff) Engineer to join our growing practice. We are looking for a motivated candidate with an interest in developing both field and analytical skills, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong team.

Job Responsibilities:

• Use GIS and GPS to aid in planning and executing geotechnical field work
• Log test borings
• Oversight of subcontractors including drillers, and traffic control
• Create basic plans and figures using AutoCAD and GIS
• Assign and review laboratory tests
• Perform calculations to support geotechnical designs
• Provide support on preparation of geotechnical reports and proposals
• Observe geotechnical-related construction and perform materials testing
• Plan and coordinate geotechnical and materials testing field work
• Prepare field reports
• Review geotechnical and materials testing reports

Required Skills/Experience:

• 0-2 years ofrelevantprofessional experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geology or related field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Positive attitude
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong work ethic and a desire for continual self-improvement
• Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel, including assignments that may last several months away from the office
• Ability to lift50pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climbladdersand work outside

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Prior internship or professional work in a related field (i.e.geotechnical engineering, construction, civil engineering, etc.)
• Master’s degree
• EIT certification

Other Requirements:

• Mustpossessa validU.S.driver’s license as driving is an essential function of the job
• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehiclerecordand credit check
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening

The compensation range for this position is between$62,400to$86,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitiveandequitablecompensation to all employees, regardless of their location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.