Geotechnical Project Engineer

Terracon; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 94,270 - 120,230; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Signing bonus

Benefits package

Professional development

Job summary

Terracon’s Lombard office seeks a licensed Geotechnical Project Engineer to lead investigations, coordinate field and laboratory work, and deliver reports for transportation, infrastructure, and development projects in Illinois.

You will manage project tasks, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with clients and design teams while pursuing growth toward project management and Authorized Project Reviewer responsibilities. Hybrid schedule available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geological, Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer license.
• 5–8+ years geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience preparing geotechnical reports, recommendations, proposals, scopes, and cost estimates.
• Ability to manage multiple project tasks, coordinate field and lab work, and communicate with clients and teams.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in office and field settings.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate geotechnical investigations, drilling programs, lab testing, and field staff.
• Review subsurface data, boring logs, lab results, plans, specs, and project requirements.
• Perform geotechnical analyses for foundations, pavements, earthwork, retaining structures, slopes, groundwater, and related design issues.
• Develop practical design and construction recommendations.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports, technical memos, proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates.
• Track project progress, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Communicate with clients, design teams, contractors, drilling crews, labs, and internal teams.
• Support construction-phase services, including field observation review and responses to questions.
• Mentor junior engineers, field engineers, technicians, and labs.
• Support business development through client communication, proposals, and pursuits.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project management

Written communication

Field coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred) in geotechnical engineering

Job description

Role

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Location

Lombard, IL or Chicago, IL or Glendale Heights, IL

Employment Type

Full‑time, onsite or hybrid

Salary

$94,270.00 – $120,230.00

Overview

Terracon’s Lombard office has a well‑established geotechnical practice serving Illinois transportation, infrastructure, commercial, energy, and private‑sector clients. We are looking for a licensed Project Geotechnical Engineer ready to take ownership of project work, lead client and team communication, and grow toward broader project management, technical leadership, and Authorized Project Reviewer responsibilities.

What To Expect

You will carry real project responsibility from day one: managing investigations, coordinating technical work, communicating with project teams, and preparing deliverables for infrastructure and development projects across Illinois. The role provides a path toward project management, client leadership, and Authorized Project Reviewer development, supported by experienced senior staff and technical reviewers. Hybrid schedule flexibility is available for office‑based work when compatible with project needs, field assignments, training, and team coordination. Relocation assistance and/or a signing bonus may be considered. Terracon also offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and support for continued technical and career growth.

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

• Planning, scheduling, and coordinating geotechnical investigations, drilling programs, laboratory testing, and field staff.
• Reviewing subsurface data, boring logs, laboratory results, plans, specifications, and project requirements.
• Performing geotechnical analyses for foundations, pavements, earthwork, retaining structures, slopes, groundwater conditions, and related design issues.
• Developing practical recommendations for design and construction.
• Preparing and reviewing geotechnical reports, technical memoranda, proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates.
• Tracking project progress, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Communicating directly with clients, design teams, contractors, drilling crews, laboratories, and internal project teams.
• Supporting construction‑phase services, including field observation review, test data review, submittal review, and responses to construction questions.
• Mentoring junior engineers, field engineers, technicians, laboratory staff, and exploration teams.
• Supporting business development through client communication, proposal preparation, and project pursuit efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Professional Engineer license required.
• 5 to 8+ years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience preparing geotechnical reports, recommendations, proposals, scopes, and cost estimates.
• Ability to manage multiple project tasks, coordinate field and laboratory work, and communicate clearly with clients and project teams.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in both office and field settings.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering or a related field.
• Experience with transportation, public works, bridge, roadway, pavement, retaining wall, utility, or infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with Illinois transportation agencies, public‑sector design teams, and geotechnical reporting requirements.
• Interest in developing toward project management, client leadership, technical review, and Authorized Project Reviewer responsibilities.