Geotechnical Engineer

LVI Associates; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates seeks a Project-Level Geotechnical Engineer in Southern California. This role blends field and office tasks, focusing on leading geotechnical investigations, preparing detailed reports, and overseeing field operations. Candidates should possess a B.S. in Civil Engineering, EIT certification, and 3-7+ years of relevant experience. Familiarity with Southern California agencies and strong communication skills are essential. This position offers opportunities for mentoring junior staff and contributing to various infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• 3-7+ years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Strong exposure to both fieldwork and reporting.
• Familiarity with Southern California agencies and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations from proposal through final report.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports and site investigations.
• Oversee field operations including drilling and sampling.

Skills

Geotechnical investigations

Project coordination

Fieldwork

Strong communication skills

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering or related field

EIT required; PE on track preferred

Tools

Rocscience (Slide, Settle3)

Ensoft (LPile, APile, SHAFT)

gINT / soil logging software

Job description

Geotechnical Engineer (Project / Mid-Level)

Location: Southern California

Overview

A well-established geotechnical consulting firm is looking to add a Project-Level Geotechnical Engineer to its Southern California team. This role is best suited for someone who operates across both field and office environments, owns project execution, and is comfortable interfacing with clients, agencies, and internal teams.

You’ll step into a group that handles a consistent pipeline of private and public sector work across infrastructure and development, with a strong emphasis on technical quality, responsiveness, and long-term client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support geotechnical investigations from proposal through final report
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports, including:
  • Site investigations
  • Infiltration and drainage recommendations
  • Grading and earthwork recommendations
  • Pavement design
• Perform and interpret analyses including:
  • Bearing capacity and settlement
  • Liquefaction
  • Slope stability
  • Earth pressures
• Conduct and manage plan reviews:
  • Foundation, grading, and civil plans
  • Respond to agency comments and RFIs
• Oversee field operations:
  • Drilling and sampling programs
  • Construction observation and testing
  • Compaction testing and earthwork monitoring
• Take ownership of project coordination:
  • Manage subcontractors, drilling crews, and lab testing
  • Support permitting and agency submittals (LADBS, cities, counties, etc.)
• Contribute to proposals and cost estimates for both public and private clients
• Mentor junior staff and provide guidance on technical execution

Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil Engineering or related field
• EIT required; PE on track or in progress preferred
• ~3-7+ years of geotechnical engineering experience
• Strong exposure to both fieldwork and reporting (not purely design or purely field)
• Experience with:
  • Southern California agencies and permitting processes
  • Earthwork, grading, and construction observation
  • Development and/or infrastructure projects
• Working knowledge of tools such as:
  • Rocscience (Slide, Settle3)
  • Ensoft (LPile, APile, SHAFT)
  • gINT / soil logging software
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects