Geotechnical Project Engineer

Actalent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Geotechnical Project Engineer in Los Angeles, CA to plan and execute subsurface investigations and analyses. You will prepare geotechnical reports, coordinate field programs, and provide construction-phase support while ensuring compliance with CBC/IBC and local codes.

The role requires strong soil mechanics knowledge, project management, and client communication. A CA PE or ability to obtain is expected, with travel within California for project sites.

Qualifications

• Geotechnical engineering knowledge and foundation design fundamentals.
• Strong report writing and data interpretation for geotechnical studies.
• California-specific code familiarity and field/lab coordination.
• 4-8 years of geotechnical engineering experience and PE certification.
• Excellent communication with clients and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage geotechnical projects from proposal through final report delivery.
• Coordinate field investigations, drilling operations, laboratory testing programs, and site observations.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and client deliverables.
• Communicate project status and technical findings to clients, contractors, and internal staff.
• Assist in preparing scopes of work, fee proposals, and cost estimates.
• Perform engineering analyses related to shallow and deep foundations, slope stability, earthwork and grading, settlement evaluations, retaining wall design recommendations, liquefaction and seismic hazard assessments, and pavement design.
• Evaluate geotechnical field and laboratory data.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports and recommendations.
• Develop foundation, grading, and earthwork recommendations in accordance with California building codes and local agency requirements.
• Review architectural, structural, grading, and civil plans for geotechnical compliance.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Geotechnical analysis

Civil engineering

Professional engineer certification

Technical report writing

Soil testing

Excellent written and verbal

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Geotechnical Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Geotechnical Project Engineer Job Description

The Project Engineer will be responsible for planning and executing subsurface investigations, performing engineering analyses, preparing geotechnical reports, coordinating with clients and project teams, and providing construction-phase support. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge of soil mechanics and foundation engineering while demonstrating excellent communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage geotechnical projects from proposal through final report delivery.
• Coordinate field investigations, drilling operations, laboratory testing programs, and site observations.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and client deliverables.
• Communicate project status and technical findings to clients, contractors, and internal staff.
• Assist in preparing scopes of work, fee proposals, and cost estimates.
• Perform engineering analyses related to shallow and deep foundations, slope stability, earthwork and grading, settlement evaluations, retaining wall design recommendations, liquefaction and seismic hazard assessments, and pavement design.
• Evaluate geotechnical field and laboratory data.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports and recommendations.
• Develop foundation, grading, and earthwork recommendations in accordance with California building codes and local agency requirements.
• Review architectural, structural, grading, and civil plans for geotechnical compliance.

Essential Skills

• Geotechnical engineering
• Geotechnical analysis
• Civil engineering
• Professional engineer certification
• Technical report writing
• Soil testing
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Geotechnical Engineering
• 4-8 years of geotechnical engineering experience
• Experience preparing geotechnical reports in California
• Knowledge of California Building Code (CBC), IBC, and relevant geotechnical standards
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation design, and grading practices
• Valid California driver's license
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to travel to project sites

Work Environment

This role requires the ability to travel to project sites, primarily within California. The work will involve coordinating field investigations and site observations. The Project Engineer will work closely with clients, contractors, and internal staff to ensure project success. Strong communication skills are essential in providing updates and technical findings to all stakeholders.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $80.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Los Angeles,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.