Geotechnical Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Orlando, Florida is looking for a Geotechnical Engineer to support design and construction projects. The role involves reviewing geotechnical design submittals, providing field support during installation, and reviewing testing activities. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 4 years of geotechnical engineering experience, a professional engineering license, and strong communication skills. This is a full-time position with responsibilities across multiple project sites, ensuring that high standards are maintained throughout.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Working knowledge of geotechnical principles and foundation systems.
• Familiarity with FDOT standards and testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Review geotechnical design submittals for compliance with standards.
• Provide field support during installation of geotechnical elements.
• Coordinate and review geotechnical testing activities.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Field observation

Education

Professional engineering license (PE or P.Eng)

Tools

Microsoft Office

GeoStudio

Bentley suite (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)

Job description

Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. This role focuses on applying geotechnical engineering in design and construction to support quality assurance, risk reduction, and alignment between design intent, standards, and field execution. The Geotechnical Engineer collaborates with the Materials Operation Engineer, the client’s Geotechnical Engineer Lead, other districts DGEs, CEI teams, and project staff to provide timely technical input, support field operations, and help resolve geotechnical issues and emergencies.

Primary location for this role is in Orlando, Florida, with potential travel across project sites as required.

Core Responsibilities

1. Geotechnical Support to Design
   • Review geotechnical design submittals (plans, reports, calculations) for compliance with FDOT standards
   • Provide comments on shop drawings and geotechnical-related design elements to support constructability
   • Assist in review of geotechnical scope elements and identify potential risks or gaps early in design
   • Support evaluation of Cost Saving Initiatives (CSI) and alternative technical concepts
2. Construction Support & Field Oversight
   • Provide field support during installation of geotechnical elements including: piles, drilled shafts, and auger cast piles; retaining walls and soil anchor systems
   • 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
3. Testing, Evaluation & Documentation
   • Coordinate and review geotechnical testing activities, including: PDA testing and CAPWAP analysis; CSL and thermal integrity testing; vibration monitoring and instrumentation
   • Review foundation logs, installation records, and certification packages for completeness and accuracy
   • Assist in evaluating test results and supporting recommendations for foundation performance
4. 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
5. Coordination & Program Support
   • Coordinate with geotechnical subconsultants, testing firms, and laboratories
   • Interface with FDOT District Materials, State Materials Office, and project stakeholders
   • Support consistent communication across design, construction, and materials teams
   • Contribute to improving geotechnical processes, documentation, and field practices
6. Key Outputs (What This Role Produces)
   • 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

Qualifications

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
• Field-based role with frequent travel across project sites

Required Qualifications

• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., PE or P.Eng)
• Previous experience with Microsoft Office applications, MicroStation or other software as appropriate
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage and deep foundation response software
• Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
• Commitment to HDR’s employee-owned culture

Location and Schedule

• Primary Location: United States-Florida-Orlando
• Other Locations
• Industry: Construction, Project Controls & Design/Build
• Schedule: Full-time
• Employee Status: Regular
• BusinessClass: Geotechnical
• Job Posting: Apr 17, 2026

EEO Notice

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world’s greatest challenges and are always looking for great talent to join our global teams.