Geotechnical Engineer II

UES, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking a Level 2 Geotechnical Engineer to independently manage moderately complex geotechnical projects from planning through completion. You will apply advanced engineering principles in design, analysis, and construction oversight while mentoring junior staff and supporting client relationships.

The role demands greater autonomy, strong technical expertise, and responsibility for project outcomes. Travel up to 70% of the time is expected as part of field and client engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or related engineering field; Master’s preferred.
• 5–8 years geotechnical engineering experience.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) required; PE license preferred or in progress.
• Proficient in advanced geotechnical analysis and design methods.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal oversight.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations, planning and overseeing field/lab work.
• Conduct advanced analyses including slope stability and seismic design.
• Develop geotechnical reports, specs, and cost estimates with minimal oversight.
• Oversee foundation design, earth retention, pavement, and ground improvement.
• Serve as primary technical contact for clients on assigned projects.
• Review work by junior engineers and technicians.
• Use PLAXIS/GeoStudio/gINT for modeling and analysis.
• Perform site visits and construction observations per geotechnical recommendations.
• Assist in proposal development and business development activities.
• Provide technical training to junior engineers and field staff.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Team leadership

Mentoring

Client relationships

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

gINT

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

The Level 2 Geotechnical Engineer is a mid-level role responsible for independently managing moderately complex geotechnical projects from planning through completion. This position applies advanced engineering principles in design, analysis, and construction oversight, while also mentoring junior staff and supporting client relationships. The Level 2 engineer demonstrates a deeper technical expertise, greater autonomy in decision-making, and increased responsibility for project outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations, including planning, coordinating, and overseeing field and laboratory work.


• Independently perform complex engineering analyses, including slope stability, settlement, bearing capacity, and seismic design considerations.


• Develop detailed geotechnical reports, specifications, and cost estimates with minimal oversight.


• Oversee foundation design, earth retention, pavement, and ground improvement projects.


• Serve as the primary technical contact for clients on assigned projects, ensuring responsiveness and quality service.


• Review and approve work prepared by junior engineers and technicians.


• Utilize advanced geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, gINT).


• Conduct site visits and construction observations to ensure adherence to geotechnical recommendations.


• Participate in proposal development and business development activities.


• Provide technical training and guidance to junior engineers and field staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or related Engineering discipline (Master’s preferred).


• 5–8 years of geotechnical engineering experience.


• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required; Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or in progress.


• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced geotechnical analysis and design methods.


• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.


• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with minimal oversight.


• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.

Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
  
  
  
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  
  
  • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
  
  
  • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
  
  
  
  


• Physical requirements include:
  
  
  
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  
  
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
  
  
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
  
  
  • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
  
  
  • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
  
  
  
  

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here