Geotechnical Project Engineer/Manager

CME Associates; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health insurance with HSA option

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Catalytic Coaching program

Job summary

MSG, a leading geotechnical and civil engineering firm, seeks a Geotechnical Project Engineer/Manager in Grand Rapids, MI. You will lead field investigations, develop cost estimates, and coordinate multi‑discipline projects to deliver robust foundation and earthwork solutions.

The position requires a civil engineering degree, 10–15 years of geotechnical experience, and PE licensure within 1 year. Expect outdoor work, client interaction, and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 10–15 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and obtain PE within 1 year; multi-state licensure.
• Experience with MDOT, ODOT, or similar agencies preferred.
• Experience with construction materials testing/inspection and laboratory testing.
• Experience with geotechnical design software.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and technical writing skills.
• Willingness to travel and perform outdoor fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and proposals for geotechnical tasks or projects.
• Plan and execute geotechnical field investigations and assess subsurface conditions.
• Serve as phase/task or project manager for multi-disciplinary projects.
• Perform geotechnical analyses and calculations (e.g., ASD, LRFD) for foundations and earthwork.
• Design foundations, retaining structures, embankments and other geotechnical systems.
• Prepare/review technical reports, drawings and specs.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to integrate geotechnical requirements.
• Monitor construction activities for compliance with design and specs.
• Coordinate staff engineers and technicians; travel as needed.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Field investigations

Education

ABET-accredited civil engineering degree

Tools

Geotechnical design software

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. (MSG) is a people focused, award-winning, full-service consulting firm that offers a wide array of services including civil and geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, planning, landscape architecture, agriculture, surveying and construction support. Our talented staff of more than 650+ professionals deliver integrated planning, design, engineering and construction solutions.

Due to MSG's continued growth, a new opening is available for a Geotechnical Project Engineer/Manager to assist with our projects in Grand Rapids, MI!

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed cost estimates and proposals for geotechnical engineering tasks and/or projects.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes geotechnical field investigations to include assessing subsurface conditions, soil properties, and geotechnical risks.
• Acts as phase/task or project manager for multi-discipline projects.
• Performing geotechnical analyses and calculations (ASD and LRFD) to determine foundation design parameters, slope stability, and earthwork specifications.
• Designing foundations, retaining structures, embankments, and other geotechnical structures.
• Preparing and/or reviewing technical reports, drawings, and specifications for construction projects
• Collaborating with other engineering disciplines, architects, and construction teams to ensure geotechnical considerations are integrated into project designs.
• Monitoring and inspecting construction activities to ensure compliance with geotechnical design requirements and specifications.
• Manages and coordinates staff engineers and technicians on project assignments.
• Some project-related travel may be required.

Skills, Knowledge And Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Advanced degree in a geotechnical-related field preferred but not required.
• 10-15 years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Have passed the principles of engineering (PE) exam, or have the ability to obtain within 1 year. If/once PE is obtained, be able to obtain multi-state licensure.
• Experience with MDOT, ODOT, or other transportation/local agencies is preferred but not required.
• Experience with construction materials testing/inspection and laboratory testing.
• Experience with geotechnical design software.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• The role may involve working outdoors in various weather conditions and performing physically demanding tasks, such as lifting equipment, moving soil samples, and standing for extended periods. Willingness to travel to project sites and work in outdoor environments is required.

Benefits

• 401(k) w/ company match
• Health insurance w/ HSA option, Vision, Dental, Life
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Catalytic Coaching - Employees draft a development plan aimed at improving contributions in their current job and increasing the potential for other opportunities. MSG is all about bringing out the best in people at work!

It is the policy of our company to follow equal employment opportunity procedures in compliance with federal, state and local criteria. We will provide all applicants for employment, and all employees, with equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, arrest record, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, and/or any other protected classes covered by any local, state and federal laws.

The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company’s good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.