Geotechnical Engineer

Certerra; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Certerra is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead complex investigations and design services across Northern Nevada and beyond. You will mentor junior staff, manage project deliverables from exploration through final reporting, and contribute to client relationships and business development.

The role requires strong technical leadership in subsurface investigation, slope stability, and earthwork; PE licensure in Nevada or ability to obtain within 6 months is required.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited B.S. in Civil/Geotechnical/Geological Engineering.
• M.S. in Geotechnical Engineering or related field preferred.
• Nevada PE licensure or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• PG license and other certifications valued (GEER, ICC, ASCE).
• 12+ years of directly relevant geotechnical engineering experience may substitute for an advanced degree.
• 8–15 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience with subsurface investigation, slope stability, foundation design, and earthwork construction; Nevada/Western U.S. preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations including subsurface exploration programs, laboratory testing, and interpretation of geologic and geotechnical data.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports including foundation recommendations, slope stability analyses, seismic hazard evaluations, and earthwork specifications.
• Serve as senior technical resource and mentor for junior engineers, geologists, and field technicians.
• Perform and direct construction observation and testing services, including oversight of drilling, sampling, and instrumentation activities.
• Manage multiple concurrent geotechnical projects from scoping and proposal development through field work, reporting, and project closeout.
• Prepare scopes of work, fee estimates, and project schedules; ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with clients, subconsultants, regulatory agencies, and internal project teams throughout all project phases.
• Support preparation of proposals, qualifications packages, and client presentations for new project opportunities.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with existing and prospective clients, contractors, and industry partners.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations to grow the firm’s regional presence.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and performance feedback to junior and mid-level engineers and field staff.
• Conduct technical reviews and QA/QC of reports, drawings, and calculations prepared by other staff members.
• Track invoicing, accounts receivable, and project cost control.
• Ensure work complies with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Manage professional liability and project risk.

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or Geological Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution

M.S. in Geotechnical Engineering or related field preferred

Professional Engineer (PE) license in Nevada, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

Professional Geologist (PG) license; GEER; ICC Special Inspector; ASCE membership

12+ years of directly relevant geotechnical engineering experience may substitute for an advanced degree

8–15 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience; Nevada/Western U.S. preferred

Job description

Certerra is a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve. We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms. With a 60-year history, Certerra has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world‑class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

Job Summary:

The Senior Geotechnical Engineer will lead complex geotechnical investigations, analyses, and design services for a wide range of infrastructure, commercial, and residential development projects across Northern Nevada and beyond. This position serves as a key technical resource for the geotechnical team, providing mentorship to junior engineers and geologists while managing project deliverables from exploration through final reporting. The Senior Geotechnical Engineer will also support business development activities, maintain client relationships, and collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high‑quality, compliant, and cost‑effective solutions.

Duties:

Technical Leadership

• Lead geotechnical investigations including subsurface exploration programs, laboratory testing, and interpretation of geologic and geotechnical data
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports including foundation recommendations, slope stability analyses, seismic hazard evaluations, and earthwork specifications
• Serve as senior technical resource and mentor for junior engineers, geologists, and field technicians
• Perform and direct construction observation and testing services, including oversight of drilling, sampling, and instrumentation activities

Project Management

• Manage multiple concurrent geotechnical projects from scoping and proposal development through field work, reporting, and project closeout
• Prepare scopes of work, fee estimates, and project schedules; ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget
• Coordinate with clients, subconsultants, regulatory agencies, and internal project teams throughout all project phases

Business Development & Marketing

• Support preparation of proposals, qualifications packages, and client presentations for new project opportunities
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with existing and prospective clients, contractors, and industry partners
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations to grow the firm’s regional presence

Staff Management

• Provide technical guidance, training, and performance feedback to junior and mid-level engineers and field staff
• Conduct technical reviews and QA/QC of reports, drawings, and calculations prepared by other staff members
• Track invoicing, accounts receivable, and project cost control

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure work complies with applicable codes, standards, and regulations
• Manage professional liability and project risk

Education/Qualifications:

Minimum Degree Requirement:

B.S. in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or Geological Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution

Preferred / Advanced Degrees:

M.S. in Geotechnical Engineering or related field preferred

Professional Licensure:

Professional Engineer (PE) license required in Nevada, or ability to obtain Nevada PE licensure within 6 months of hire

Additional Certifications (Valued but not required):

Professional Geologist (PG) license; GeoTechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) participation; ICC Special Inspector certification; ASCE membership

Experience in Lieu of Advanced Degree:

12+ years of directly relevant geotechnical engineering experience may substitute for an advanced degree

Typical Experience Range at This Level:

8–15 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, with demonstrated expertise in subsurface investigation, slope stability, foundation design, and earthwork construction; prior experience in Nevada or the Western U.S. preferred.

#LI‑LC1

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated on the basis of their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such persons will be hired on the basis of their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.