Geotechnical Staff Engineer: Early-Career Growth

Terracon; Pleasant Valley Township (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon in Iowa is seeking a Geotechnical Staff Engineer to join our teams in Ames, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Bettendorf, Des Moines. This is an excellent opportunity for an early‑career engineer or recent graduate to gain hands‑on experience under licensed Professional Engineers.

You’ll support a wide range of projects across transportation infrastructure, public works, commercial and energy facilities, while building technical expertise, field experience, and project management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus).
• 0–3 years of relevant experience.
• Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) certification required.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and support geotechnical field investigations, observations, inspections, and testing.
• Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations under supervision.
• Assist with the design and development of plans and specifications.
• Review drawings and construction activities to ensure they comply with project plans.
• Prepare and contribute to engineering reports, proposals, and cost estimates.
• Track project scope, schedules, and budgets; assist with 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 non‑technical stakeholders.
• Support projects across public works, transportation, commercial, communications, energy, and industrial sectors.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Field investigations

Report writing

Client communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus)

Job description

Terracon in Iowa is seeking a Geotechnical Staff Engineer to join our teams in Ames, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Bettendorf, Des Moines. This is an excellent opportunity for an early‑career engineer or recent graduate to gain hands‑on experience under licensed Professional Engineers.

You’ll support a wide range of projects across transportation infrastructure, public works, commercial and energy facilities, while building technical expertise, field experience, and project management