Geotechnical Design Engineer

GFT; East Brunswick Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs, parental leave, and

Pet insurance

401(k) savings plan

Competitive PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT in East Brunswick, NJ is seeking a Staff Design Geotechnical Engineer to join our hybrid office-based team. You will oversee subsurface explorations, perform analyses for transportation, water resources and facilities, and prepare reports and drawings that meet project scope, schedule, and budget.

The position requires a PE license in NJ or PA (or ability to obtain within six months), 4–6 years of geotechnical design experience, and proficiency with standard geotechnical software and

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in civil engineering and PE license in NJ/PA or ability to obtain within six months.
• 4–6 years geotechnical design experience including investigations, reports, drawings and specs.
• Experience with standard geotech software and BIM/CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as task manager or lead geotechnical engineer on small– to medium projects.
• Oversee subsurface explorations and lab testing programs; participate in fieldwork.
• Prepare reports, drawings, specifications; ensure scope, schedule and budgets.
• Provide field observation support during construction when needed.
• Collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project coordination

Outdoor work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in NJ or PA

Master’s degree (Geotechnical focus)

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

SLIDE

SLOPE/W

LPILE

APILE

GROUP

GRLWEAP

Settle3

gINT/OpenGround

Job description

What You Will Do

Our Geotechnical Practice is currently seeking a Staff Design Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in East Brunswick, NJ. This is a hybrid position, requiring regular attendance in our East Brunswick office.

GFT’s Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team

GFT’s Geoprofessionals have in-depth knowledge to excel on the most challenging geotechnical assignments. We provide innovative solutions for foundations, underground construction, earth structures, groundwater resources, dams, and building sites. Our geotechnical engineers and geologists specialize in building and bridge structure foundations, landslides, rock slope stability, and earthen dam stability and seepage. We have completed more than 1,000 subsurface and geophysical projects across the U.S. – from small-scale projects to large, highways, bridges, retaining walls, landslide repairs and complex dams.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivated Geotechnical Engineer who thrives in a collaborative team environment. The role highlights a customer-focused mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional quality and results on every project. As a Geotechnical Engineer, you will assist in planning and overseeing subsurface explorations and performing analyses for transportation, transit and rail, facilities, water resources and other types of projects.

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

• Serve as geotechnical task manager or lead geotechnical engineer for small- to medium-sized geotechnical-focused projects including, but not limited to, highway and rail projects, shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, sinkhole remediation, landslide/slope stabilization and seepage remediation.
• Develop and guide the execution of subsurface explorations and laboratory testing programs. May participate in field exploration activities, when needed.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation, geotechnical correspondence, design and construction drawings and specifications in accordance with scope requirements.
• Provide specialty geo-construction observation support during the construction phase of various projects, when needed.
• Determine client requirements and assist with or develop suitable scopes of work, schedules, and budgets to help accomplish client objectives.
• Perform and/or direct routine and complex data analysis and engineering calculations, such as retaining wall stability, slope stability, foundation support, lateral earth pressures, settlement, seepage, and liquefaction potential.
• Ensure that deliverables meet project scope, schedule, cost and quality requirements
• Review contractor submittals and respond to requests for information, evaluate the need for design changes, and make appropriate geotechnical recommendations
• Consult with construction personnel concerning field conditions, sequencing, and scheduling of activities
• May provide direction to, and supervision and mentorship of, junior level staff
• Communicate independently with clients, when required
• Work in multi-disciplinary teams while leading geotechnical tasks
• This position requires travel on an as-needed basis to other GFT offices, client offices, or project work sites and may include overnight/out-of-town travel.

Education | Experience

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in NJ or PA, or ability to obtain professional registration within 6 months of hire date.
• 4-6 years of geotechnical experience with an emphasis in design and development of geotechnical deliverables including investigations, reports, drawings and specifications
• Experience with Microsoft 365 applications
• Strong analytical, report writing and communication skills
• Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons, when needed
• Must have valid Driver’s License

What We Prefer You Bring

• Master’s Degree with a Geotechnical focus strongly preferred
• Experience with transportation projects including bridges and roadways with clients such as NJDOT, NJTA, PennDOT, NJ Transit, etc.
• Experience with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation
• Experience with common geotechnical software programs such as SLIDE, SLOPE/W, LPILE, APILE, GROUP, GRLWEAP, Settle3 and gINT or OpenGround
• FEM analysis experience and GIS experience
• Field experience with construction observation for bridge projects, highway projects, deep foundations, and sinkhole and landslide remediation projects

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $120,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• 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.

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

Location: East Brunswick, NJ

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

Employment Status: Full-Time