Geotechnical Engineer | 10+ Years

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 101,550 - 169,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust health plans

Generous 401(k) matching

Educational assistance

Time off for care

Job summary

A leading engineering consulting firm is seeking a Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer to enhance their geotechnical engineering practice. The candidate will lead technical projects, manage client relations, and contribute to growing the firm's services. Candidates should possess a Master's or PhD in geotechnical engineering, be licensed, and have at least ten years of experience in the field. This position offers a competitive salary range of $101,550.00 - $169,250.00, and comprehensive benefits including health plans and a generous 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• Licensed Geotechnical Engineer in relevant state(s).
• Minimum ten years of relevant geotechnical engineering experience, especially with foundations.
• Hands-on expertise in investigation and testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical project execution and manage field tests.
• Act as primary contact for clients and project teams.
• Oversee project management including scoping and client development.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Project management

Technical execution

Education

Master's degree or PhD in geotechnical engineering

Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking a self-starter Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer to be an integral part of expanding and developing our geotechnical engineering practice.

If you are enthusiastic about investigating and solving problems, applying your engineering judgment beyond the strict application of the codes, and being a part of a niche, multidisciplinary team of forensic engineers — we want you on our team!

This opportunity may be based in any of the following WJE offices:

Atlanta (Duluth, GA); Austin, TX; Chicago, IL (Downtown); Dallas (Irving, TX); Denver (Golden, CO); New York, NY (Midtown); Northbrook, IL (Company HQ); Princeton, NJ; San Francisco (Emeryville, CA)

Responsibilities

• Technical project execution: performing and leading others in hands‑on field work, diagnostic testing, and construction administration; applying a first‑principles approach and creative problem‑solving with a deep understanding of governing codes, design guidelines, and industry practices; collaborating with interdisciplinary project teams; and preparing technically excellent client deliverables.
• Day‑to‑day success of multiple concurrent projects: acting as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors and project teams; jumping in to help where needed; training and mentoring teammates; providing high‑quality reviews of work by others; and sealing project documents as the Engineer of Record, as appropriate.
• Project management: client development, project scoping, assembling and managing appropriate project teams, maintaining project schedules and budgets, negotiating changes to scope, and managing client expectations and deliverables.
• Contributions to geotechnical engineering practice and company‑wide objectives: fostering genuine client relationships inside and outside WJE; collaborating with other WJE SMEs for in‑house knowledge sharing and training initiatives; and engaging in meaningful involvement in industry‑related professional organizations, conferences, and technical committees.

Qualifications

• Licensed Geotechnical Engineer in relevant state(s).
• Master’s degree or PhD in geotechnical engineering or related field.
• Minimum ten years of relevant geotechnical engineering industry experience, with demonstrated expertise in geotechnical engineering applications across various soil conditions, including design and performance evaluation of foundations for various structure types (including deep foundations); hands‑on investigation and testing methods to diagnose distressed conditions; underpinning, ground improvement, and other remedial measures for distressed buildings and other structures; slope stability and earth retention; and settlement issues.
• Dedicated self‑starter, motivated to contribute to the growth of an expanding consulting practice based on a “principles first” problem‑solving approach.
• Excellent technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites.
• Perform field observations and take soil samples and data measurements (e.g., log borings, piezometers, inclinometers, etc.).
• Safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes.
• Safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment.
• Lift and carry materials, tools, and other heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of personal protective equipment.
• Drive and safely operate a motor vehicle.

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free‑flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard‑working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands‑on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry's most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.

Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers.

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry‑leading benefits:

Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.

Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above‑market total compensation.

A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range: $101,550.00 - $169,250.00.

• Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high‑deductible PPO options.
• Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately.
• Time off to care for yourself and others.
• Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development.

Learn more about WJE's total rewards package here.

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.