Geotechnical Engineer

United Trading Group; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 64,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to provide geotechnical support for statewide maintenance and construction programs.

The role involves design, analysis, reporting, and oversight of projects, with potential responsibility for laboratory operations. Utah PE licensure and 2+ years post-licensure experience are required.

Qualifications

• PE licensure in Utah required; reciprocity from other states accepted.
• Minimum two years of post-licensure professional experience.
• Full-time appointment with potential laboratory management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive geotechnical design and analysis for state transportation projects.
• Prepare clear geotechnical reports to guide project development and safety standards.
• Evaluate geotechnical plans, oversee consultant deliverables, ensure compliance with UDOT standards.
• Contribute to updates of UDOT construction specifications and Geotechnical Manual of Instruction.
• Optionally manage the geotechnical testing laboratory per schedule code.

Skills

Core geotechnical design

Standards & compliance

Laboratory & field testing

Software & instrumentation

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering

Tools

Geotechnical software

Job description

Geotechnical Engineer

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a motivated and skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join our Project Delivery team.

About the Role

In this role, you will provide critical geotechnical support across maintenance and construction initiatives statewide. You will oversee, review, and design a wide variety of transportation projects, ranging from small permit projects to large-scale, design-build projects.

Position Information

• Salary Range: $46.67 - $74.06
• FT/PT Status: Full Time
• Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Schedule Conversion Note:This position includes the possibility of managing the geotechnical laboratory. This will change the classification to Schedule Code AX (Career Service Exempt/At-Will). Employees who have not completed a probationary period will convert to Schedule AX automatically.
• Location: Calvin Rampton Building - 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, UT
• Application Deadline: 10/30/2026

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering Design & Analysis: Perform comprehensive geotechnical design and engineering analysis for state transportation projects.
• Technical Reporting: Prepare clear, thorough geotechnical reports to guide project development and safety standards.
• Project Review & Oversight: Evaluate geotechnical plans, oversee consultant deliverables, and ensure compliance with state geotechnical engineering standards for transportation projects.
• Standards Maintenance: Contribute to ongoing updates and reviews for UDOT construction specifications and the UDOT Geotechnical Manual of Instruction.
• Laboratory Operations (Optional): Manage the geotechnical testing laboratory, if assigned. See schedule code for additional information.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position candidates must possess:

• Licensure: Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Utah.
• Note: Out-of-state licensees must obtain reciprocity with Utah prior to their official start date.
• Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of professional engineering experience following initial PE licensure.

Underfill Option

Applicants within one year of meeting the two-year post-licensure requirement may be considered at the Engineer III level. The salary range for an Engineer III is $37.46 - $60.77 per hour.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of post-PE geotechnical engineering experience.
• A Master’s degree or higher in Geotechnical Engineering or Geological Engineering.
• Direct experience in geotechnical laboratory management.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Core Geotechnical Design: Expertise in foundation design, retaining walls, slope stability, soil settlement analysis (magnitude and rate), geoseismic engineering, and geohazard mitigation.
• Standards & Compliance: Familiarity with—or the ability to quickly master—UDOT and AASHTO design and construction standards.
• Laboratory & Field Testing: Practical knowledge of laboratory testing methodologies, along with the ability to plan and conduct comprehensive field investigations.
• Software & Instrumentation: Proficiency with industry-standard geotechnical software, as well as experience designing and interpreting instrumentation monitoring plans.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for writing technical reports and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].