Geotechnical Engineer, Geosynthetic Interaction Laboratory

Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

TRI Environmental, Inc. seeks a Geotechnical Engineer to manage interface friction testing, soil-geosynthetic interaction studies, and geotechnical laboratory tests in our Austin laboratory.

You will build test setups, maintain equipment, and work daily with technicians, materials, and clients to ensure accurate data and timely reporting. Responsibilities include coordinating testing programs, writing instructions, and progressively taking signatory responsibility.

Qualifications

• BS in civil engineering with ABET accreditation.
• Coursework in shear strength, consolidation, soil-structure interaction, dynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Hands-on laboratory work and ability to operate test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Run, schedule, and coordinate the interface friction testing program and calendar.
• Write testing instructions for the laboratory and clarify client requests.
• Perform interface friction, direct sliding tests between geosynthetics and soils.
• Prepare and reduce test data for review; distribute reports and coordinate invoicing.

Skills

Hands-on lab work

Data acquisition

Written communication

Time management

Education

BS in civil engineering (ABET-accredited)

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Description

The Geotechnical Engineer runs the interface friction testing program at TRI’s Austin laboratory and develops toward signatory responsibility for that program. Interface friction work generally takes precedence; remaining capacity goes to soil‑geosynthetic interaction testing (pullout and block connection) and geotechnical laboratory testing (shear strength and consolidation). Assignments flex with laboratory demand, and duties may be redirected as workload and business needs require. The work is hands‑on: the engineer builds test setups, maintains equipment, and works daily with technicians, materials, and clients.

Interface Friction Program

• Run, schedule, and coordinate the interface friction testing program (ASTM D5321), including laboratory assets and the testing calendar
• Receive and clarify client testing requests; write testing instructions for the laboratory
• Perform interface friction and direct sliding tests between geosynthetics and soils such as clay, silt, sand, and gravel
• Inventory samples, reconcile receipts against client instructions, and coordinate material storage and disposal
• Prepare and reduce test data for internal review; distribute final reports and coordinate invoicing
• Learn interface friction practice under senior engineers and progress toward signatory responsibility
• Prepare quotations for standalone friction programs as experience grows

Soil‑Geosynthetic Interaction Testing

• Perform geosynthetic pullout testing (ASTM D6706)
• Perform block connection testing for segmental retaining wall systems (ASTM D6638)
• Support soil‑structure interaction evaluations and related custom test programs

Geotechnical Laboratory Testing

• Perform direct shear (ASTM D3080), one‑dimensional consolidation (ASTM D2435), and consolidated undrained triaxial (ASTM D4767) tests
• Advance into constant‑rate‑of‑strain consolidation (ASTM D4186) as experience develops

Equipment, Technicians, and Clients

• Set up, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain test frames, transducers, and data acquisition systems
• Disassemble, repair, and reassemble test equipment using correct tools and torque settings
• Write basic programs for data acquisition and reduction
• Train laboratory technicians in test procedures, equipment operation, and safety
• Coordinate daily testing priorities with the Project Management Team
• Keep clients and project managers informed of schedules, status, and results
• Represent TRI on ASTM and other industry committees, with company support
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• BS in civil engineering or a closely related field from an ABET‑accredited program
• Coursework in shear strength, consolidation, soil‑structure interaction, dynamics, and fluid mechanics
• Coursework in physics and electronics; working knowledge of voltages, data acquisition systems, and basic programming
• Hands‑on mechanical aptitude, shown through laboratory work or personal mechanical, electronics, or fabrication projects
• Able to perform physical laboratory work, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage workload and schedules independently
• Strong written and verbal communication; respect for people at all levels

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in civil engineering with geotechnical emphasis
• PE license, compensated accordingly; EIT candidates near licensure are encouraged to apply
• Working knowledge of ASTM D5321, D3080, D2435, and D4767; familiarity with D4186
• Familiarity with geosynthetic materials and their interaction with soils

TRI Environmental, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.