Geotechnical Instrumentation Project Engineer

Terracon; Plymouth (MN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Instrumentation Project Engineer in Minnesota to design and implement instrumentation and monitoring programs for large-scale projects. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to integrate field data, perform analyses, and deliver technical reports that inform design decisions and risk management.

The role emphasizes collaboration across Terracon’s national network, with opportunities to lead projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to business

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or related engineering field required.
• 5–8+ years of geotechnical engineering experience, with instrumentation focus.
• PE registration or ability to obtain is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across offices to plan and implement projects.
• Analyze data and prepare reports documenting findings and performance.
• Mentor junior staff and interact with clients to define scope and progress.
• Develop scopes of work, proposals, and cost estimates for instrumentation services.
• Track progress, budgets, and schedules; adjust as needed.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Instrumentation & Monitoring

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Piezometers

Inclinometers

Settlement Monitoring

Remote Monitoring Platforms

Job description

General Responsibilities

Grow Your Career in Geotechnical Instrumentation with Terracon!

Are you a geotechnical engineer with a passion for instrumentation, data-driven design, and solving complex subsurface challenges? Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Instrumentation Project Engineer to support and lead the design and implementation of instrumentation and monitoring programs across a diverse portfolio of projects.

In this role, you will provide engineering and consulting services for a broad array of projects and clients. Responsibilities include designing and implementing geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring systems, performing engineering analysis and calculations, and developing recommendations, plans, and specifications. You will support construction through observation and inspection and prepare and review technical reports documenting project findings and performance.

You will work as part of collaborative, multidisciplinary teams on large and often complex projects across Terracon’s national footprint. This includes partnering with engineers, geologists, construction professionals, and client stakeholders across multiple offices to deliver coordinated, high-quality solutions. The role offers significant exposure to large-scale infrastructure and energy projects where instrumentation and monitoring are critical to managing risk and informing design and construction decisions.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs (e.g., piezometers, inclinometers, settlement systems, remote monitoring platforms).
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams across multiple offices to plan, design, and implement instrumentation programs on complex projects.
• Support large, geographically distributed projects by integrating data, field observations, and engineering analysis into cohesive project deliverables.
• Contribute to a team-oriented environment that emphasizes knowledge sharing, consistency, and technical excellence across Terracon’s national network.
• Prepare plans, specifications, and technical reports documenting monitoring results and project performance.
• Evaluate instrumentation data trends to identify potential risks and recommend mitigation measures.
• Develop scopes of work, proposals, and cost estimates for instrumentation services.
• Track project progress, budgets, and schedules; recommend adjustments as needed.

This role can be offered as hybrid, remote, or in-person.

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

• Follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards for all projects; participate in pre-task planning and report safety concerns.
• Maintain consistent quality standards for project execution and proposal delivery.
• Independently perform a variety of projects or components of larger projects.
• Work closely with senior project managers to expand project management experience.
• Make engineering recommendations, adaptations, and modifications based on project conditions.
• Prepare proposals and reports for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Perform quality control reviews of proposals and reports prepared by others.
• Evaluate complex instrumentation and field data for use in engineering analyses and reporting.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior staff.
• Interact directly with clients to define scope, communicate progress, and present findings.
• Write routine and complex engineering reports summarizing services, findings, and recommendations.
• Participate in marketing, sales, and business development efforts.
• Supervise junior engineering staff.
• Work under the supervision of a Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer.
• Begin the mentoring and application process toward Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with automated data acquisition and cloud-based monitoring systems.
• Familiarity with construction instrumentation programs and risk-based monitoring approaches.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Geological, or related Engineering field.
• 5–8+ years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with emphasis on instrumentation and monitoring preferred.
• Experience with instrumentation systems such as vibrating wire piezometers, inclinometers, settlement monitoring, data loggers, and remote monitoring platforms.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration or ability to obtain.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.