Geotechnical Engineer

Actalent; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Project Engineer to manage geotechnical projects in the Truckee/Tahoe/Reno region from Sacramento, CA. You will oversee field investigations, testing, and reporting under the supervision of a senior engineer, ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality deliverables.

This hybrid role involves collaboration with clients and internal teams, travel within the region, and mentoring staff while advancing a growing regional geotechnical practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in civil engineering with emphasis in geotechnical engineering.
• California PE license or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• 35+ years of engineering/geology experience on civil/public works projects.
• Strong foundation in geotechnical engineering principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage geotechnical projects in the Truckee/Tahoe/Reno region under supervision of a Engineer.
• Develop project objectives and align with client needs and regulatory requirements.
• Define project scope, cost estimates, and regulatory compliance.
• Establish schedules, coordinate resources, and monitor budgets.
• Lead field work, investigations, and testing, and analyze results for recommendations.
• Mentor staff and engage in professional organizations as appropriate.

Skills

Geotech engineering

Project management

Field investigations

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelors in civil/geotechnical engineering

Job description

Job Description

This role provides engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients across a broad range of projects, including infrastructure, utilities, environmental health sciences, buildings, and geospatial technology. You will help clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve local communities, with a focus on the Truckee/Tahoe/Reno region. As a Project Engineer working under the supervision of a Engineer, you will manage and oversee geotechnical projects, contribute to technical solutions, and play a key role in a growing business within a vibrant, engaged community positioned for significant long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee geotechnical projects in the greater Truckee/Tahoe area and the Reno, NV basin under the supervision of a Engineer.
• Develop project objectives by reviewing project proposals and plans and aligning them with client needs and regulatory requirements.
• Define project scope by understanding client requirements, reviewing applicable regulatory standards, and preparing accurate cost estimates.
• Establish project schedules, coordinate resources, and monitor and control project budgets to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Supervise and assist in field work, including geotechnical investigations and materials testing, and analyze test results to inform engineering recommendations.
• Ensure projects are completed in accordance with contractual requirements, agreed-upon schedules, and quality standards.
• Maintain overall quality of work by applying appropriate engineering techniques, procedures, and professional judgment to complex project features.
• Coordinate the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of technical information within the company and to clients.
• Develop proposals and technical reports that clearly communicate findings, recommendations, and project approaches.
• Maintain strong client relationships, manage client expectations, and support high levels of client satisfaction through effective communication and responsiveness.
• Review and create technical documents and interpret technical plans and specifications to guide project execution.
• Accurately report field observations and test results through clear, concise verbal and written communications.
• Apply current regulatory requirements and industry standards to the types of projects performed, including residential, schools, hospitals, municipal projects, and solid waste infrastructure improvements.
• Lead and mentor staff professionals and engineering technicians, providing guidance and oversight on field and office tasks.
• Engage in professional and technical organizations by attending meetings, workshops, and conferences, and participate in presenting technical topics when appropriate.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication with clients, contractors, and colleagues, and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Apply appropriate testing methodologies and operate related equipment correctly and safely.
• Travel to project sites as needed, using a valid drivers license and maintaining an insurable driving record.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in geotechnical engineering, or an equivalent degree.
• Professional registration as a California Professional Engineer (PE), or the ability to obtain licensure in California within a 6 to 12-month testing cycle.
• 35+ years of experience in engineering and/or geology, including work on commercial, public works, resort structural, or DSA/HCAI projects.
• Solid foundation in geotechnical engineering principles and practices.
• Experience performing geotechnical investigations for residential, school, hospital, municipal, and solid waste infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of standard engineering techniques and procedures and the ability to use professional judgment to modify or execute complex features or solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including scope, schedule, budget, and quality control.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis and interpretation of field and laboratory test data.
• Understanding of environmental engineering concepts and environmental testing practices related to geotechnical projects.
• Familiarity with materials testing and special inspection services.
• Strong skills in proposal development and technical report writing.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills for working with clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Demonstrated teamwork and problem-solving abilities in a project-driven environment.
• Knowledge of current regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to geotechnical and related projects.
• Ability to accurately document and report observations and test results in both written and verbal formats.
• Valid drivers license and an insurable driving record.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Registration as a Geotechnical Engineer in California, or the ability to obtain this registration, is preferred.
• Experience with environmental management in the context of geotechnical and infrastructure projects.
• Experience in public works and resort structural projects, including DSA/HCAI-related work.
• Leadership experience in guiding staff professionals and engineering technicians.
• Ability to develop and maintain long-term client relationships and support business development efforts.
• Interest in leadership development and contributing to a growing regional business.
• Active participation or willingness to participate in professional and technical organizations, including attending and presenting at meetings and workshops.
• Comfort working within a large, established organization while operating in a close-knit, collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work autonomously, take ownership of projects, and maintain visibility with leadership and decision-makers.

Work Environment

This position is based in the Truckee/Tahoe/Reno area and offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the ability to work remotely 12 days per week depending on project needs. The role involves regular site visits for field investigations, materials testing, and project meetings, requiring travel within the region. You will work within a large, established organization that provides strong stability, resources, and a robust project pipeline, while enjoying a small-business feel characterized by a collaborative, close-knit culture. Team members are trusted with significant autonomy, have direct visibility to leadership, and can make a meaningful impact on projects that improve local communities. The environment supports professional growth, participation in industry organizations, and ongoing development through diverse project work and technical challeng

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52.89 - $62.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Sacramento,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.