Geotechnical Engineer

HDR; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is looking for a Geotechnical Engineer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This full-time position involves supporting geotechnical projects across planning, design, and construction phases. Responsibilities include providing technical input and field support while collaborating with various teams. The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering, a professional engineering license, and at least four years of relevant experience. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and geotechnical software.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Ability to interpret construction documents and technical data.
• Experience with geotechnical testing and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Support geotechnical elements of projects throughout planning, design, and construction phases.
• Provide field support during installation of geotechnical elements.
• Coordinate and review geotechnical testing activities.

Skills

Geotechnical principles

Foundation systems

Soil behavior

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or related engineering

Professional engineering license (PE or P.Eng)

Tools

Microsoft Office

MicroStation

GeoStudio/Ensoft

Bentley geotechnical data management suites

Job description

Geotechnical Engineer – Responsible for supporting geotechnical elements of projects across all phases from planning and design through construction, collaborating with cross‑functional teams, providing technical input, field support, testing, and quality assurance.

The Position

Geotechnical Engineer supports geotechnical elements of projects throughout planning, design, and construction phases. Works closely with the Materials Operation Engineer, client Geotechnical Engineer Lead, district GEEs, CEI teams, and project staff to provide timely technical input, support field operations, and help resolve geotechnical issues and emergencies.

Core Responsibilities

• Geotechnical Support to Design
• Review geotechnical design submittals (plans, reports, calculations) for compliance with standards
• Provide comments on shop drawings and geotechnical‑related design elements to support constructability
• Assist in reviewing geotechnical scope elements and identify potential risks or gaps early in design
• Support evaluation of cost‑saving initiatives and alternative technical concepts
• Construction Support & Field Oversight
• Provide field support during installation of geotechnical elements
• Assist CEI staff with interpretation of plans, specs, and geotechnical requirements
• Participate in or support pre‑construction and pre‑operation meetings to clarify expectations
• Observe field activities and identify non‑conformance or potential issues
• Testing, Evaluation & Documentation
• Coordinate and review geotechnical testing activities
• Review foundation logs, installation records, and certification packages for completeness and accuracy
• Assist in evaluating test results and supporting recommendations for foundation performance
• Quality Assurance & Issue Resolution
• Support geotechnical QA efforts through field reviews, documentation checks, and coordination with CEI
• Identify and help resolve geotechnical issues encountered during construction
• Assist in evaluating non‑conformance issues and recommending corrective actions
• Provide technical input on geotechnical‑related claims or disputes
• Coordination & Program Support
• Coordinate with geotechnical subconsultants, testing firms, and laboratories
• Interface with client Materials Office and project stakeholders
• Support consistent communication across design, construction, and materials teams
• Contribute to improving geotechnical processes, documentation, and field practices

Key Outputs

• Clear, actionable geotechnical review comments
• Evaluated test results with supporting recommendations
• Field observations and QA documentation
• Timely technical input that supports design development and construction progress and reduces risk

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years of geotechnical engineering experience
• Working knowledge of geotechnical principles, foundation systems, and soil behavior
• Familiarity with FDOT standards, specifications, and testing procedures
• Ability to interpret construction documents and technical data
• Strong communication and coordination skills in a field environment
• Ability to work independently while supporting a broader team structure
• Practical problem‑solving mindset focused on constructability and risk reduction

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or related engineering
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location (PE or P.Eng)
• Experience with Microsoft Office, MicroStation, or equivalent office software
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft (slope stability, settlement, seepage, deep foundation response) and Bentley geotechnical data management suites (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
• Commitment to participating in an employee‑owned culture

Work Environment

Field‑based role with frequent travel across project sites.

Job Information

Primary Location: United States-Florida-Orlando
Other Locations: United States-Florida-Fort Lauderdale
Industry: Construction, Project Controls & Design/Build
Schedule: Full‑time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Geotechnical
Job Posting: Apr 18, 2026

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.