Managing Geologist (MS/PhD)

Exponent; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Senior Geologist to join our Civil & Structural Engineering Practice. You will perform engineering geology, GIS, and geophysics work across a range of projects, including investigating failures of geotechnical systems.

You will lead field investigations, analyses, and client-facing deliverables in a fast-paced environment. The role offers on-site opportunities in multiple West Coast and East Coast offices, with growth potential through mentoring, collaboration, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in geological sciences with a focus on Engineering Geology and 5+ years post-graduate experience.
• MS in Geological Sciences with Engineering Geology and 10+ years post-graduate experience.
• Licensure as a professional Geologist (PG) or Geophysicist (PGP) in at least one state.
• CEG or CHG certification in at least one state, or ability to obtain within 2 years.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated success in independently developing and managing client relationships.
• Attention to detail, high quality, fast-paced work ethos.
• Proven leadership and strong written/verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections and subsurface explorations to determine failures in geotechnical systems.
• Evaluate and characterize site conditions for root-cause analyses and mitigation design.
• Create geospatial models including GIS and subsurface models.
• Create topographic and thematic maps for projects.
• Engage with clients on project strategy and deliverables, including presentations.
• Peer review geologic and geotechnical documents.
• Evaluate construction claims and lead project teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Client relations

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Geological Sciences (Engineering Geology)

MS in Geological Sciences (Engineering Geology)

Job description

Managing Geologist (MS/PhD)

ID: 2026-2528

Location: US-WA-Bellevue

Practice: Civil and Structural Engineering

Position Type: Full-time

Posted Salary Range: USD $140,000.00 - USD $170,000.00 /Yr.

Workplace Type: On-Site

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you'll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!

Key statistics:

• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 90+ Disciplines
• 30+ Offices globally

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Senior Geologist for our Civil & Structural Engineering Practice in Oakland, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Bellevue, WA; Seattle, WA; Atlanta, GA; New York, NY. In this role, you will work as part of a team responsible for providing professional services in the areas of engineering geology, remote sensing, GIS, mapping, and geophysics for a range of projects involving the investigation of the cause and extent of failures of geotechnical systems and the evaluation of natural hazards. This position will provide technically challenging work with excellent opportunities to grow within the firm.

You will be responsible for

• Conducting field inspections and subsurface explorations (to determine causes of failure of geotechnical systems e.g. slopes, foundations, tunnels, levees, and dams).
• Evaluating and characterizing site conditions (for root cause of failure analyses and conceptual mitigation design)
• Creation of Geospatial models including GIS and subsurface models
• Creation of topographic maps and thematic maps
• Engage directly with clients regarding project strategy and deliverables including, but not limited to, presentation of findings in written and verbal formats
• Performing peer review of geologic and geotechnical engineering documents
• Evaluating construction claims
• Leading project teams on the execution of project deliverables (field investigations, analyses, written and oral presentations of findings)
• Developing project work with new and existing clients

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in geological sciences specializing in Engineering Geology, or a related field from an accredited university, plus 5 years of post-graduate experience
• Alternatively, MS in Geological Sciences specializing in Engineering Geology, or a related field from an accredited university, plus 10 years of post-graduate experience
• Licensure as a professional Geologist (PG) or Geophysicist (PGP) in at least one state is required.
• Certification as Engineering Geologist (CEG) or Hydrogeologist (CHG) in at least one state, or the ability to obtain a certification within 2 years
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated success in independently developing and managing client relationships
• Attention to detail, dedication to quality and accuracy, desire to work in a fast-paced environment
• Proven track record of effective leadership skills
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings or demonstrated leadership or activity in professional societies
• Record of excellent written and verbal communication skills

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Manager level and above total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary Range

USD $140,000.00 - USD $170,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [e-mail].

Job Locations

• US-WA-Bellevue
• US-WA-Seattle
• US-CA-Oakland
• US-GA-Atlanta
• US-CA-Los Angeles
• US-NY-New York