Project Engineer – Geotechnical or Geological

WeBuildIdaho.org; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Project Engineer specializing in Geotechnical or Geological work to join their Los Angeles team. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience and be responsible for subsurface investigations, site evaluations, and technical report preparation. This position requires a California Professional Engineer registration and offers a competitive salary package. Join us to tackle complex water resource projects that truly matter.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a practicing engineer or engineer-in-training.
• Experience with water resource infrastructure including fisheries, hydropower, and dams.
• Flexibility to travel up to 40% of the year.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute subsurface geotechnical investigations.
• Conduct field inspections and evaluate geotechnical hazards.
• Prepare technical reports including geotechnical baseline reports.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Report writing

Communication skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology or Civil Engineering

Tools

Slide2

RS2

LPILE

Settle3

Job description

Overview

Project Engineer – Geotechnical or Geological

McMillen, Inc. is looking for a Project to Senior Project Engineer – Geotechnical or Geological with 5+ years of experience focused on water resource-related work. The candidate will work on a variety of projects in fields including but not limited to concrete dams, embankment dams, fisheries, fish passage, hydropower, flood control, and pump station related projects. California Professional Engineer (PE) registration required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute subsurface geotechnical investigations, including preparing subcontractor agreements, soil and rock core logging, collecting disturbed and undisturbed samples for index and high-end laboratory testing, supervising in situ testing, and developing laboratory testing schedules to suit project-specific requirements and budgets.
• Conduct field inspections, observe and participate in site visits, perform site characterizations, and evaluate geotechnical hazards.
• Prepare technical reports including geotechnical data reports, geotechnical baseline reports, field reports, technical memoranda, computation packages, feasibility reports, design and evaluation reports, and specifications.
• Develop project-specific design criteria using relevant design codes, standards, and jurisdictional requirements.
• Provide design recommendations for foundations, slopes, retaining walls, and embankments.
• Perform geotechnical modeling and analysis using industry standard software including but not limited to Slide2, RS2, Settle3, LPILE, APILE, GROUP, etc.
• Collaborate with Design Technology staff to prepare and revise project drawings.
• Work on multiple projects and independently complete tasks within budget and on schedule.
• Assist with proposals to provide professional services.
• Communicate directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams to interpret geotechnical/geological conditions and their implications on design and construction.
• Mentor more junior engineers in a respectful and collaborative manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geotechnical or Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
• 5+ years of experience as a practicing engineer or engineer-in-training.
• Demonstrated experience with water resource infrastructure including fishery related projects, hydropower, dams, water conveyance, storm water networks, heavy grading, water treatment, spillways, and pump stations.
• Proficiency in soil and rock logging, classification, and in situ and laboratory testing using a variety of drilling and testing techniques.
• Proficiency in report writing, drawing development and markups, and specification development.
• Familiarity with Federal Agency codes and requirements, including FERC, USACE, USBR.
• Familiarity with relevant design codes, standards, and jurisdictional requirements preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in interpreting and communicating design intent from contract documents, plans, and specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently and prioritize effectively.
• Keen attitude and willingness to learn and accept constructive criticism.
• Flexibility to travel up to 40% of a given year and adapt to changing schedules.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively in multi-discipline teams.
• Strong communication, technical, and analytical skills.

Compensation Package

• Pay Range: $106,000 - $165,000 (DOE)
• Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

Who we are: McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee-owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don’t look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and a balanced work-life environment so our employees can build careers they’re proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results-driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real-world functionality.

EEO: McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

No recruiters, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.