Geotechnical Staff Engineer

UES, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. seeks a Staff Engineer to join our geotechnical team in Phoenix. In this entry‑level role, you will assist with site investigations, soil/rock data collection, and lab coordination while supporting report preparation for infrastructure and environmental projects.

The ideal candidate has a geotechnical or civil background, is eager to learn, and can work with mentors to grow technical skills in fieldwork and analysis within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or related field.
• 0–3 years of relevant geotechnical experience or internships welcome.
• EIT preferred or obtainable within a reasonable timeframe.
• Familiar with geotechnical concepts, lab and field testing methods.
• Exposure to AutoCAD, Civil 3D or geotechnical tools is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication for documenting findings.

Responsibilities

• Assist geotechnical site investigations including soil/rock sampling and borehole logging.
• Support evaluation of subsurface conditions under supervision of senior engineers.
• Contribute to technical reports, figures, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with project engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Review plans and background data to inform geotechnical assessments.
• Participate in field and laboratory testing programs to ensure data quality.
• Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors for field work.
• Ensure work complies with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Learn geotechnical software and reporting tools.
• Support cost estimating and proposal documentation efforts.
• Maintain organized project records and data files.
• Contribute to QA/QC processes for deliverables.

Skills

Geotechnical knowledge

Field investigations

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

EIT certification preferred

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. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

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.

The ideal candidate will have a strong academic foundation in geotechnical or civil engineering, a collaborative attitude, and a desire to learn through hands‑on fieldwork and mentorship. This is a great opportunity for an early‑career professional to grow technical skills, gain field experience, and build a solid foundation in applied geotechnical engineering within a dynamic and supportive environment.

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 natural and man-made 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, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or 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. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here