Geotechnical Staff Engineer

UES; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is looking for a detail-oriented Staff Engineer to join our geotechnical engineering team in Knoxville, TN. This entry-level role involves assisting in field investigations, data collection, and technical reporting, contributing to important infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and may have up to 3 years of experience. The role requires significant travel (up to 70%) to various job sites across the region.

Qualifications

• 0–3 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering or related fields.
• EIT certification preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with laboratory and field testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist with geotechnical site investigations and data collection.
• Support evaluation of subsurface conditions with field data.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing findings.
• Collaborate with project engineers on design development.

Skills

Geotechnical concepts

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

LPILE

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more.

Position Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Staff Engineer to join our geotechnical engineering team. In this entry‑level role, you will support a variety of field and office activities, including site investigations, soil and rock data collection, laboratory coordination, and technical reporting. Working alongside experienced engineers and project managers, you’ll contribute to evaluating subsurface conditions and assisting with the preparation of engineering documentation that supports infrastructure, environmental, and construction‑related projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist with geotechnical site investigations, including soil and rock sampling, borehole logging, field testing, and data collection to support project design and analysis.
• Support the evaluation of subsurface conditions by analyzing field and laboratory data under the supervision of senior engineers.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and documentation by summarizing findings, preparing figures, and assisting in drafting recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with project engineers and multidisciplinary teams to support design development and engineering assessments.
• Assist with reviewing plans, specifications, and background data to help inform geotechnical evaluations.
• Participate in field and laboratory testing programs to ensure data quality and integrity.
• Support communication with internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors to facilitate coordination of field work and material procurement.
• Help ensure project work is performed in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Learn to use geotechnical engineering software and tools for analysis and reporting.
• Support cost estimating and proposal development efforts by compiling data and assisting with documentation.
• Maintain organized project records, logs, and data files in accordance with company standards.
• Participate in quality assurance/quality control processes to support consistent and accurate deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
• 0–3 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, field investigations, or construction materials testing (internship or co‑op experience welcomed).
• Engineering‑in‑Training (EIT) certification preferred or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
• Familiarity with geotechnical concepts, laboratory and field testing methods, and soil/rock behavior.
• Exposure to engineering software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or geotechnical tools (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, LPILE) is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and working with project teams.
• Basic understanding of construction methods, site safety, and environmental regulations is helpful.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in both field and office environments and travel to project sites as needed.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements.
• Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs.
• Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments.
• Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
  • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
  • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, peripheral, and depth vision, and ability to focus) and to use hands to reach, climb, balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit.
  • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates.