Entry-Level (Staff) Geotechnical Engineer

Schnabel Engineering; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Flexible spending accounts

100% company-paid life & ADD insurance

Short-term disability (100% company‑pe

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

Job summary

Schnabel Engineering’s Newport News, VA office seeks an Entry-Level (Staff) Engineer to join our geotechnical practice. You will develop both field and analytical skills, supporting our growing team and projects under supervision.

This role emphasizes hands-on field work, reporting, and collaboration within an employee-owned firm that values quality, safety, and professional growth opportunities. A strong candidate is a recent graduate who is eager to learn and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geology or related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude and ability to multi-task.
• Willingness to perform field work and travel, including multi-month assignments.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and work on construction sites.

Responsibilities

• Use GIS and GPS to aid geotechnical field work planning.
• Log test borings and oversee subs contractors.
• Create basic plans and figures with AutoCAD and GIS.
• Assign and review laboratory tests.
• Perform calculations to support geotechnical designs.
• Prepare geotechnical reports and proposals.
• Observe field work and perform materials testing.
• Coordinate geotechnical and materials testing field work.
• Prepare field reports and review testing reports.

Skills

Communication

Multi-tasking

Positive attitude

Work ethic

Field work willingness

Travel readiness

Physical endurance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geology or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

EIT certification (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

GPS

Job 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 Newport News, Va office 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 of relevant professional 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 lift 50 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders and 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

• Must possess a valid U.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 vehicle record and credit check
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screeningdiag>Oops! I inadvertently added a stray