Project Engineer I (Geotechnical)

Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Employer-Paid Benefits (LTD, Life

Employee Assistance Program

Health with HSA option

401k with Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Job summary

Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates, Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer I to support geotechnical engineering and Construction Materials Testing (CMT) activities across the mid-Atlantic region.

You will lead projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to field operations while maintaining client relationships. The role offers growth toward Project Engineer II with PE licensure, and opportunities for business development contributions.

Qualifications

• BS in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering as stated.
• 2–5 years of progressive engineering/consulting experience.
• EIT certification required.
• Experience with Geotechnical and CMT projects.
• Experience preparing proposals and cost estimates.
• Strong organization and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage Geotechnical and CMT projects from proposal through completion.
• Coordinate, supervise, and provide direction to field/lab personnel.
• Collect, review, and analyze geotechnical field and lab data.
• Prepare geotechnical calculations, analyses, and reports.
• Prepare cost estimates, bids, and technical proposals.
• Represent firm in client meetings and maintain client relationships.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, staffing, and backlog.
• Support branch operations and safety/compliance requirements.

Skills

Project management

Client interaction

Team mentoring

Communication skills

Multi-project handling

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification

Job description

WHO IS HILLIS-CARNES?

Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates (HCEA) is a multi-disciplined ENR Top 500 engineering firm with 20 offices in the mid-Atlantic and Florida. We have demonstrated a history of success for the past 35 years. We are 100% employee-owned ESOP, and our history of success can be attributed to our motivational employee owners. We believe in fostering teamwork, rewarding ambition, and providing opportunities for professional advancement. At HCEA, we can contribute our continuing success to multiple facets, but above all we are successful because of our knowledgeable, ambitious, and reliable employees who make every day count.

Position Overview

This position will work closely with our Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing/Inspection departments, supporting a diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects throughout the region. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership on geotechnical engineering and CMT projects, mentor junior staff, support field operations, and contribute to business development initiatives. Project Engineer I is the third rung of the career progression ladder and is also bonus eligible.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Geotechnical and Construction Materials Testing (CMT) and inspection projects from proposal through completion.
• Coordinate, supervise, and provide technical directions to field and laboratory personnel.
• Perform, collect, review, and analyze geotechnical field and laboratory data.
• Prepare geotechnical calculations, analyses, and technical reports.
• General Mastery of Staff Professional II job duties. Prepare cost estimates, bids, and technical proposals for both Geotechnical and CMT
• Represent firm in client meetings.
• Review project documentation, test results, and reports to ensure quality and compliance with project requirements.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, staffing resources, and overall project backlog.
• Maintain client relationships and support business development initiatives.
• Communicate regularly with clients, contractors, developers, and project stakeholders.
• Support branch operations and perform additional duties as assigned by the Division or Branch Manager.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, site safety requirements, and applicable permitting requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 2 - 5 years of progressive and relevant engineering or consulting experience.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required.
• Knowledge of construction materials testing standards, inspection procedures, and quality assurance practices.
• Experience managing both Geotechnical and CMT projects.
• Experience preparing proposals and cost estimates.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with clients, contractors, and internal staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising field technicians, inspectors, and junior professional staff.
• Business development and client relationship management experience.
• Experience developing client relationships and supporting business development initiatives.
• Self-motivated professional with a strong commitment to technical excellence and customer service.

Position Offering

This position may progress to Project Engineer II role based on obtaining Professional Engineering (P.E.) licensure, demonstrated proficiency in job duties, management capabilities, business development contributions and leadership performance.

Benefits

We are proudly an Equal Opportunity Employer and offer an appealing benefit package. A few of these perks include: 100% Employer-Paid Benefits (Long-Term Disability, Basic Life & Employee Assistance Program), Health (W/ Health Savings Account Option), Disability, 401k w/ Company Match, Generous Compensation for Employee-Referrals, Tuition Reimbursement and many more! Need another reason to join in on the success? We offer an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in which employees are given shares in the company and the more successful the company is, the more valuable the shares become.

EOE

Minorities and Women are encouraged to apply.

Salary: $75000.00 - $90000.00 per year