Geotechnical Staff Engineer — Mentor‑Led Growth (Iowa)

Terracon; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Hands‑on geotechnical experience

Local office locations

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Staff Engineer to join our Iowa teams, including Ames, with multiple office locations. This role offers early‑career engineers a hands‑on start under the mentorship of licensed Professional Engineers, touching transportation, public works, commercial, and energy projects that build foundational geotechnical skills.

You will participate in field investigations, analyses, and reporting, developing professional judgment and project management abilities while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical) required.
• 0–3 years of relevant experience.
• Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (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 and support 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 non‑technical stakeholders.
• Support projects across public works, transportation, commercial, communications, energy, and industrial sectors.

Skills

Communication skills

Driver's license

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical)

Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) certification

Job description

Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Staff Engineer to join our Iowa teams, including Ames, with multiple office locations. This role offers early‑career engineers a hands‑on start under the mentorship of licensed Professional Engineers, touching transportation, public works, commercial, and energy projects that build foundational geotechnical skills.

You will participate in field investigations, analyses, and reporting, developing professional judgment and project management abilities while