Geotechnical Engineer | 20+ Years

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 132,380 - 220,630; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust health plans

Generous 401(k) matching

Educational assistance and professional development

Job summary

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an Associate Principal or Principal Geotechnical Engineer to expand its geotechnical engineering practice. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree or PhD in geotechnical engineering along with a minimum of 20 years of relevant experience.

You will manage projects, provide technical leadership, mentor staff, and contribute to company-wide objectives. The role requires strong communication skills and a proactive problem-solving approach.

Annual starting base salary ranges from $132,380 to $220,630 based on qualifications, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20 years of relevant industry experience, with demonstrated expertise in foundations and settlement issues.
• Ability to travel and perform field observations and data measurements.
• Dedicated self-starter motivated to build a new consulting practice.

Responsibilities

• Manage client development and project scoping, assembling project teams.
• Provide technical leadership and prepare excellent client deliverables.
• Mentor and develop staff's technical skills.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering expertise

Project management

Technical leadership

Excellent communication skills

Education

Master's degree or PhD in geotechnical engineering or related field

Licensed Geotechnical Engineer

Job description

Associate Principal / Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an industry‑leading Associate Principal or Principal Geotechnical Engineer to help expand and develop our geotechnical engineering practice companywide.

If you are enthusiastic about investigating and solving problems, applying engineering judgment beyond the strict application of codes, and mentoring the next generation of forensic geotechnical engineers, we want you on our team!

This opportunity may be based in any WJE office across the continental United States: www.wje.com/offices.

Responsibilities

• Project management, including client development, project scoping, assembling and managing project teams, maintaining schedules and budgets, and managing client expectations and deliverables.
• Technical leadership, applying sound judgment and deep understanding of governing codes, design guidelines, and industry practices; collaborating as the mandatory subject‑matter expert with interdisciplinary teams; preparing technically excellent client deliverables; reviewing and overseeing work by others; and training others in hands‑on field work.
• Mentorship, exemplifying WJE's culture of shared destiny and knowledge sharing to better the team locally and company‑wide, on‑and‑off projects, and for technical topics and overall career development of staff.
• Contribution to geotechnical engineering practice and company‑wide objectives, including client attraction, development, and engagement; collaborating with other practice leaders on in‑house knowledge sharing and training; and engaging in professional organizations, conferences, and technical committees.

Qualifications

• Licensed Geotechnical Engineer in the relevant state(s).
• Master's degree or PhD in geotechnical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 20 years of relevant industry experience (25+ preferred), including demonstrated expertise in foundations, distressed condition investigation, remedial measures, slope stability, earth retention, and settlement issues.
• Dedicated self‑starter, motivated to build a new consulting practice based on a principles‑first problem‑solving approach.
• Excellent technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites.
• Ability to perform field observations, take soil samples, and conduct data measurements (e.g., log borings, piezometers, inclinometers).
• Ability to safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes.
• Ability to use and operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry materials, tools, and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Mentally fit to use respiratory protection devices and other personal protective equipment.
• Ability to drive and operate a motor vehicle safely.

Compensation

Base salary is determined by candidate qualifications, skills, and competencies while considering internal equity. Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above‑market total compensation.

Annual starting base salary (gross) range: $132,380.00 - $220,630.00

Benefits include robust health plans, HSA, low and high‑deductible PPO options; generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, immediate vesting; time off for personal and family care; and educational assistance and professional development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.