Geotechnical Project Engineer

McMillen, Inc.; Kirkland (WA); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with match

Generous PTO

Opportunity for stock ownership

Job summary

McMillen, Inc. in Kirkland, WA is looking for a Geotechnical Project Engineer to support various civil engineering projects focused on water resources. Responsibilities include leading subsurface geotechnical investigations, performing analysis with industry-standard software, and providing crucial design recommendations for projects such as dams and embankments.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have at least 4 years of experience. This position offers a hybrid work model and competitive compensation, ranging from $107,000 to $150,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required.
• Licensed or eligible for P.E. certification.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience, preferably in dam projects.

Responsibilities

• Execute geotechnical investigations and testing.
• Analyze data using industry standard software.
• Provide design recommendations and conduct inspections.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Field logging

Geotechnical modeling

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical, Geological, or Civil Engineering

Tools

Slide2

RS2

Settle3

LPILE

APILE

GROUP

Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Geotechnical Project Engineer

McMillen, Inc. is seeking a Geotechnical Project Engineer to join our team. This role involves supporting civil engineering and design development for a variety of McMillen projects, including dams, embankments, fish passage and screening facilities, fish hatcheries, and other water resources-related projects. The Geotechnical Project Engineer will work under the direction of project managers, applying a range of design engineering techniques and modeling methods, preparing reports, as well as performing geotechnical investigations, dam safety inspections, and construction monitoring services. This position is available as in‑person, or hybrid.

Who we are:

McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee‑owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don’t look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting‑edge technology, and a balanced work‑life environment so our employees can build careers they’re proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results‑driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real‑world functionality.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute subsurface geotechnical investigations. Specifically, preparing subcontractor agreements, soil and rock core logging, collecting disturbed and undisturbed samples for index and high‑end laboratory testing, supervising in situ testing, and developing laboratory testing schedules to suit project‑specific requirements and budgets
• Perform geotechnical modeling and analysis using industry standard software including but not limited to Slide2, RS2, Settle3, LPILE, APILE, GROUP, etc.
• Provide design recommendations for foundations, slopes, retaining walls, and embankments
• Perform dam safety inspections for existing dams.
• Develop project‑specific design criteria using relevant design codes, standards, and jurisdictional requirements
• Collect, review, and organize historical project data, including drawings, reports, and specifications
• Prepare geotechnical data and design reports as well as provide geotechnical/geological contributions to design documentation reports for multidisciplinary projects
• Communicate directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams to interpret geotechnical/geological conditions and their implications on design and construction.
• Collaborate with Design Technology (drafting) staff to prepare and revise project drawings
• Perform construction monitoring and quality assurance on active construction sites for projects including but not limited to subgrade reviews, pile installation, anchor testing, seepage cutoff wall construction, and geomembrane installation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical, Geological, or Civil Engineering required. A Master’s degree would be considered an asset but is not required
• Licensed or eligible to obtain P.E. certification
• Hands‑on fieldwork experience
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience. Experience with executing subsurface geotechnical investigations for dam projects would be considered an asset
• Proficiency in field logging, classification, in situ and laboratory testing of soil and rock using a variety of drilling and testing techniques
• Familiarity with Industry and Agency Design Codes and Standards is preferred but not required
• Proficiency in interpreting and communicating design intent from contract documents, plans, and specifications
• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently and prioritize effectively.
• Flexibility to travel up to 25% and adapt to changing schedules
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment, lead tasks, work independently, and remain self‑motivated

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The inability to cope with a stressful work environment does not constitute a protected disability.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; must be able to travel with luggage and be able to transport materials and personal overnight supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Compensation Package:

• Pay Range: $107,000 – 150,000 (DOE)
• Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, HSA, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

EEO:

McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.