Geotechnical Staff Engineer

Terracon; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Staff Engineer to join our Iowa teams. This entry‑level role provides hands‑on experience in geotechnical field investigations, analyses, and reporting, developed under the guidance of experienced Professional Engineers and a structured mentorship program.

You’ll contribute to projects across transportation, public works, commercial, and energy sectors, building technical skills, project management experience, and a foundation for a professional geotechnical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; civil or geotechnical focus preferred.
• 0–3 years of relevant experience.
• EIT or EI certification required.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history.
• Strong communication skills and a desire to learn and grow as a geotechnical professional.

Responsibilities

• Participate in geotechnical field investigations, observations, inspections, and testing.
• Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.
• Assist with the design and development of plans and specifications.
• Review drawings and construction activities to ensure compliance with project plans and specifications.
• Prepare and contribute to engineering reports, proposals, and cost estimates for projects of varying complexity.
• Track project scope, schedules, and budgets; assist with recommending adjustments as needed.
• Evaluate laboratory and field data and contribute to design and construction recommendations.
• Research and help resolve geotechnical design and construction challenges.
• Communicate technical findings clearly to clients, project teams, and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Support projects across public works, transportation, commercial, communications, energy, and industrial sectors.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical)

EIT or Engineering Intern (EI) certification

Job description

General Responsibilities

Geotechnical Staff Engineer

Multiple Iowa Locations Available

Ames * Dubuque * Cedar Rapids * Cedar Falls * Bettendorf * Des Moines

Build a Strong Foundation for Your Engineering Career at Terracon

Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Staff Engineer to join our Iowa teams. This is an excellent opportunity for an earlycareer engineer or recent graduate to gain handson experience in geotechnical engineering while working under the mentorship of experienced Professional Engineers.

You’ll support a wide range of projects that shape communities—transportation infrastructure, public works, commercial and industrial developments, energy facilities, and more—while building technical expertise, field experience, and project management skills.

Position Overview

As a Geotechnical Staff Engineer, you will provide engineering and consulting services for a diverse array of clients and projects. Responsibilities include participation in field investigations, geotechnical analysis and calculations, development of engineering recommendations, construction observation, and preparation of technical reports. Assignments are designed to progressively develop your engineering judgment and professional skills.

Why Terracon?

1. Multiple Iowa office locations offering flexibility and local project impact.
2. Handson geotechnical experience early in your career.
3. Mentorship from experienced Professional Engineers.
4. Exposure to a wide variety of projects and market sectors.
5. A collaborative environment that emphasizes safety, quality, and professional development.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

1. Participate in and support geotechnical field investigations, observations, inspections, and testing.
2. Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.
3. Assist with the design and development of plans and specifications.
4. Review drawings and construction activities to ensure compliance with project plans and specifications.
5. Prepare and contribute to engineering reports, proposals, and cost estimates for projects of varying complexity.
6. Track project scope, schedules, and budgets; assist with recommending adjustments as needed.
7. Evaluate laboratory and field data and contribute to design and construction recommendations.
8. Research and help resolve geotechnical design and construction challenges.
9. Communicate technical findings clearly to clients, project teams, and nontechnical stakeholders.
10. Support projects across public works, transportation, commercial, communications, energy, and industrial sectors.

Safety & Quality Expectations

1. Follow all safety rules, guidelines, and standards and participate in pretask planning.
2. Promptly report safety concerns and support a strong safety culture.
3. Prepare proposals and reports under the supervision of an Authorized Project Reviewer while adhering to Terracon's quality standards.
4. Maintain quality across all assignments while working closely with senior Professional Engineers to gain technical and project management experience.

What We’re Looking For

1. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus preferred).
2. 0-3 years of relevant experience.
3. EngineerinTraining (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) certification required.
4. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history.
5. Strong communication skills and a desire to learn and grow as a geotechnical professional.

Project & Client Engagement

1. Plan, schedule, and coordinate detailed phases of moderately sized and moderately complex projects under Professional Engineer supervision.
2. Interact directly with clients and project team members to help develop scopes of services and communicate project progress.
3. Gain exposure to project management, client interaction, and consulting best practices.

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus preferred).
2. 0-3 years of relevant experience.
3. EngineerinTraining (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) certification required.
4. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history.
5. Strong communication skills and a desire to learn and grow as a geotechnical professional.