Geotechnical Staff Engineer

UES; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a motivated Staff Engineer to join their geotechnical engineering team. In this entry-level role, you'll engage in site investigations, data collection, and technical reporting while collaborating with experienced engineers. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment, contributing to impactful projects across various sectors. If you're eager to learn and grow within a dynamic team, this is the perfect chance to launch your career in geotechnical engineering.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering or field investigations.
• Familiarity with geotechnical concepts and testing methods is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with geotechnical site investigations and data collection.
• Contribute to technical reports and collaborate with project teams.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Field Investigations

Technical Reporting

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Geological Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Geology

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.

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.

Who We Are

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statementhere