Geotechnical Project Engineer

smeinc; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision plans with HS

ESOP

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays and PTO

Maternity/Parental Leave

Employee Recognition

Credential Incentive

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Vehicle

Referral Bonuses

Job summary

S&ME is seeking a Geotechnical Project Engineer in Lexington, Kentucky to lead geotechnical and construction projects from exploration through construction support. The role blends field presence with client interaction and mentoring of team members.

The ideal candidate holds a Civil/Geotechnical engineering background, 4+ years of experience, and a PE license or ability to obtain it. Strong writing skills are essential for reports and communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (or related).
• Minimum of 4 years of professional geotechnical/construction experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain.
• Strong business and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical, construction and inspection projects from planning to execution.
• Analyze field/lab data for foundations, slope stability and settlement; develop site-specific recommendations.
• Conduct site visits to monitor progress and ensure conformity with plans and specs.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors and stakeholders to provide updates and resolve issues.
• Mentor junior staff and document observations using project systems.

Skills

Business writing

Technical writing

Education

PE license or ability to obtain

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Job description

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Requisition Number: 2026-1830-08

S&ME is seeking a motivated Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in Lexington, Kentucky. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven professional looking to advance their career with a company that values its employees and is dedicated to delivering exceptional service to clients.

At S&ME, we have a history of delivering innovative geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction material testing for over 50 years. Over the decades, we have grown into a trusted partner for clients across various industries, including transportation, energy, water, waste management, education, government, commercial, industrial, and more. Our commitment to technical excellence and integrity has established us as a leader in our field.

Why Work at S&ME?

• Career Growth: We invest in your success with mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities.
• Exciting Projects: Big or small, simple or complex, we do it all. Our projects are as diverse as they are exciting, so every day brings something new.
• Supportive Culture: Collaboration, respect, and positivity fuel our team environment.
• Flexibility: Work-life balance matters to us, helping you thrive inside and outside the office.
• Community Impact: Your work will directly improve the communities where we live, work, and play.

About The Role

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.

• 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.

About You:

• You have a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, Mining, or a related engineering field
• You have a minimum of 4 years of professional experience working on geotechnical and/or construction projects
• You hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license or the ability to obtain
• You have strong business and technical writing skills

You Are Willing and Able to:

Perform the physical demands of the 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 40-50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
• Working outside of normal business hours when necessary

Grow With Us:

At S&ME, your career growth matters. You'll receive professional training, work on exciting projects, and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry. S&ME provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, as well as career development resources. Come grow and thrive with us at S&ME!

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• 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
• Employee Recognition Program
• Credential Incentive Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Vehicle with Fuel Card for Project-Based Work
• $2,000 Referral Bonuses & More!

Join us at S&ME!

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.