Geotechnical Designer/EIT

HDR; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR in Columbia, SC is seeking a Geotechnical Designer/EIT to support infrastructure projects such as roadways, bridges and foundations. You will work under a licensed PE, perform geotechnical analyses, prepare drawings and reports, and coordinate with project managers.

Travel for site visits up to 40% is expected; you will set up field exploration programs, review boring logs, and contribute to design options using standard engineering techniques.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Experience with MS Office and software applications.
• Active participant in our employee-owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analyses to develop design options or recommendations.
• Oversee geotechnical subsurface characterization programs with up to 40% travel.
• Set up field exploration programs and coordinate with subcontractors.
• Perform routine engineering assignments using standard techniques.
• Conduct slope stability and settlement analysis on projects.
• Work independently or with a team to assist senior staff.
• Select and modify standard engineering techniques as needed.
• Coordinate with project managers to meet project goals.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate

Tools

MicroStation

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

HDR is looking for a Geotechnical Designer/EI in Columbia, SC. They will typically work under the direction of a licensed PE and be responsible for the geotechnical analysis and design of infrastructure projects including but not limited to roadways, retaining walls, bridges, buildings, dams, soils and rock slopes, asphalt and concrete pavements, etc. Opportunities exist to participate on high profile infrastructure projects in the southeast and across the United States (travel is required for site visits). They will also review boring logs, laboratory data, and design plans for a variety of geotechnical tasks such as slope stability, driven piles and drilled shafts, and also provide project specific analysis for sites with seismic considerations, including liquefaction potential, slope instability mitigation, ground improvement and others. They’ll prepare drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports, and also be expected to coordinate with project managers to implement measures to successfully meet all project goals and objectives.

On a day-to-day basis, we’ll expect the Geotechnical Designer/EIT to:

• Conduct analyses to develop design options or recommendations, and assist in the preparation of cost estimates, plans and specifications.
• Oversee geotechnical subsurface characterization programs for routine work and in accordance with applicable standards. For oversight of subsurface exploration activities, up to 40% travel is expected.
• Set up field exploration programs and coordinate with subcontractors.
• Perform routine engineering assignments requiring application of standard techniques and procedure.
• Conduct slope stability and settlement analysis on routine and moderately sized projects.
• Be capable of working independently or in a team environment assisting senior geotechnical staff.
• Perform assignments exercising judgement in evaluation, selection, and modification of standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Capable of working independently or in a team environment assisting Senior Geotechnical staff. Perform assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection, and modification of standard engineering techniques and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate.
• Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator job code and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression.
• Experience with CAD software (MicroStation) preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Local candidates preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Experience with MS Office and software applications
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-South Carolina-Columbia Industry: Highway + Road Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Geotechnical Job Posting: Aug 18, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.