Geotechnical Project Engineer

S&ME; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Plans

Wellness Program

100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Vehicle & Fuel Card

Job summary

S&ME is seeking a motivated Geotechnical Project Engineer for our Energy team in Lexington, Kentucky. In this full-time role, you will lead geotechnical and construction projects from exploration through construction support. You will collaborate with clients, perform technical analyses, and ensure project compliance.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering and has at least 4 years of experience. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career development at S&ME.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience on geotechnical, geostructural, and/or construction projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain one.
• Strong math and communication skills using the English language.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of geotechnical projects.
• Evaluate field and laboratory data for analyses on foundations, slope stability, and settlement.
• Conduct regular site visits and inspections to monitor construction progress.

Skills

Technical analysis & engineering solutions

Client collaboration & communication

Excellent computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, AutoCAD)

Strong business and technical writing skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, Mining, or related field

Job description

Requisition Number: 2026-1830-08

S&ME is looking for a motivated and passionate Geotechnical Project Engineer to join our Energy team in Lexington, Kentucky. Join us at S&ME!

As a Geotechnical Project Engineer, you will play a critical role in delivering high-impact geotechnical and construction projects, guiding them from initial subsurface exploration through final construction support. You'll serve as a trusted technical resource for Energy clients, ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with design standards and IBC requirements. This role blends engineering expertise, field presence, and client interaction, giving you direct influence over project outcomes while mentoring team members and strengthening relationships across the engineering and construction community.

Your Day-to-Day

• Project Execution & Oversight: Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of geotechnical, construction, and special inspection projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and regulatory requirements.
• Technical Analysis & Engineering Solutions: Evaluate field and laboratory data to perform analyses on foundations, slope stability, and settlement, and develop practical, site-specific recommendations.
• Field Presence & Quality Assurance: Conduct regular site visits and inspections to monitor construction progress, verify compliance with plans and specifications, and address field challenges in real time.
• Client Collaboration & Communication: Partner with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders through meetings and site interactions to provide updates, resolve issues, and maintain strong working relationships.
• Documentation, Mentorship & Reporting Systems: Prepare detailed reports, proposals, and field documentation while mentoring junior staff and utilizing systems like Metafield® to track observations and testing results.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, Mining, or a related engineering field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience working on geotechnical, geostructural, and/or construction projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or the ability to obtain one.
• Excellent computer skills, including at a minimum, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and AutoCAD.
• Strong math and communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) using the English language.
• Strong business and technical writing skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

You are willing and able to perform the physical demands of this position with the use of Company-provided Personal Protective Equipment, such as:

• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Walking over rough, uneven terrain and standing for potentially long periods.
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50 lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment).
• Working outside of normal business hours when necessary.

We Are S&ME

At S&ME, we're committed to your growth, professionally and personally. With over 50 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials engineering, we've built a strong foundation for long‑term careers. Our team of 1,000+ employee‑owners across 10+ states works together to create meaningful impact for our clients and communities. When you join S&ME, you become part of a collaborative, honest, and people‑focused culture that invests in your success. We offer exciting project opportunities, ongoing training, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family. This is more than a job; it's a place to grow, thrive, and build a future.

Here’s what you can look forward to

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options.
• Wellness Program - $50 off per month on your 2027 premiums.
• Pet Insurance.
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a 5% company contribution.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options.
• Paid Maternity & Parental Leave.
• Mentorship & Career Development Programs.
• Credential Incentive Program - get rewarded for advancing your skills.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Recognition Program.
• Company Vehicle & Fuel Card - for project‑based roles.
• $2,000 Employee Referral Bonuses - and more!

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I‑9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk‑ins are accepted.