Project Engineer, Trenchless Services

Terracon; Rochester (MN); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon seeks a Professional Engineer to lead and mentor teams on complex subsurface infrastructure projects across the Midwest. You will guide investigations, design, and construction phases, while ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery.

The role emphasizes strong analytical and communication skills, travel for fieldwork, and proficiency with CAD/MicroStation and Excel. A Master’s is preferred for advanced responsibilities and career growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Civil, Geotechnical or Geological Engineering with PE licensure.
• Master’s degree preferred for advanced roles.
• Experience in trenchless and subsurface infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor engineers on medium to large subsurface projects.
• Plan field investigations and oversee testing programs.
• Develop trenchless design and construction recommendations.
• Prepare technical reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Collaborate with project managers on proposals and cost tracking.

Skills

PE license

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s in Civil/Geotechnical/Geological Eng

Master’s preferred

Tools

CAD

MicroStation

Excel/Spreadsheets

Job description

General Responsibilities

Multiple office locations across Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Minnesota

• Cedar Rapids, IA
• Des Moines, IA
• Omaha, NE
• Lincoln, NE
• Bismarck, ND
• Fargo, ND
• Minneapolis, MN

General Responsibilities

Multiple office locations across Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Minnesota

Location options:

Cedar Falls, IA

• Bettendorf, IA
• Cedar Rapids, IA
• Des Moines, IA
• Dubuque, IA
• Omaha, NE
• Lincoln, NE
• Bismarck, ND
• Fargo, ND
• Sioux Falls, SD
• Minneapolis, MN

Are you a Professional Engineer who enjoys solving complex subsurface challenges and leading infrastructure projects? In this role, you’ll provide engineering and consulting services for underground utility projects while working in teams and shaping project success from planning through construction.

This position blends technical expertise, leadership, and hands-on field involvement, offering meaningful responsibility and visibility on projects that directly impact communities and critical infrastructure. In this position, you’ll have flexibility to be based out of multiple Midwest offices.

Why This Role

• Flexibility to work from multiple Midwest office locations
• Lead technically challenging work with real-world impact
• Opportunity to mentor and learn from others to continue expanding your expertise
• Exposure to a wide variety of subsurface construction methods and project types
• Collaborative environment that values safety, quality, and professional growth

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

What You’ll Work On

You’ll support underground and trenchless construction efforts across a range of infrastructure systems, including:

• Electrical and communications utilities
• Gas pipelines
• Stormwater, wastewater, and water conveyance systems

Your work will span investigation, analysis, design support, and construction-phase consulting.

Your Impact

In This Role, You Will

• Lead and mentor engineers and technical staff on medium to large, complex projects
• Plan and oversee field investigations and laboratory testing programs
• Perform trenchless engineering analyses and calculations
• Develop trenchless design and construction recommendations
• Prepare and review technical reports, design drawings, and specifications
• Serve as a technical resource during construction
• Partner with project managers on proposals, cost estimating, and project tracking

You’ll regularly communicate engineering concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Leadership, Safety & Quality

• Model and promote a strong safety culture across all project activities
• Identify project risks early and contribute to effective risk management strategies
• Lead pre-task planning and ensure teams follow established safety guidelines
• Monitor project quality and continuously refine project practices

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience and/or Educational Background supporting trenchless and subsurface infrastructure projects
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with engineering software and spreadsheets (CAD/Microstation experience is desirable)
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel periodically for project work