Geotechnical Engineer | 10+ Years

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 101,550 - 169,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Educational assistance

Job summary

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer in Northbrook, IL, to enhance their geotechnical engineering practice. Responsibilities include technical project execution, project management, and contributing to firm-wide goals. Candidates must be licensed geotechnical engineers with over ten years of experience and strong communication skills. The position offers competitive compensation including a base salary range of $101,550 - $169,250, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Licensed Geotechnical Engineer in relevant state(s).
• Minimum ten years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Dedicated self-starter with a principles first approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform hands-on field work and diagnostic testing.
• Act as primary point of contact for multiple projects.
• Foster client relationships and engage in industry organizations.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering expertise

Excellent communication skills

Project management

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 ourgeotechnical 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, including performing and leading others in hands‑on field work, diagnostic testing, and construction administration; combining 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 across WJE as the geotechnical engineering subject‑matter expert (SME); leveraging your expertise for a variety of geotechnical engineering projects, including forensics, problem‑solving, and remediation challenges related to buildings and/or infrastructure; and preparing technically excellent client deliverables

• Day‑to‑day success of multiple concurrent projects (whether or not you are the project manager), including 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, including 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, including fostering genuine client relationships inside and outside of 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 but not limited to 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. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

• Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites

• Ability to perform field observations and take soil samples and data measurements (e.g., log borings, piezometers, inclinometers, etc.)

• Ability to safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes

• Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment

• Ability to 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

• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits

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

WJE's industry‑leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:

• 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

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.