Senior Geotechnical Engineer

X4 Engineering; California (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

PTO and holidays

License renewals support

Job summary

My client, a TIC company with a geotechnical division in California, is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to own technical delivery across residential, commercial, and public works projects. This role includes leading investigations, analyses, and client communication in a firm with DSA and Caltrans accreditations.

The position requires a California GE license, 5+ years of experience, and proficiency with geotechnical software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Active California GE license required.
• 5+ years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Engineer of record on slope stability and/or seismic hazard analysis.
• Strong knowledge of CBC seismic provisions and the California Building Code.
• Experience with DSA and Caltrans-regulated projects preferred.
• Proficient geotechnical software (SLOPE/W, LPILE, SHAKE).

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee geotechnical field investigations across residential, commercial, and public works projects.
• Lead engineering analyses including bearing capacity, settlement, slope stability, and seismic hazard assessment.
• Prepare and stamp geotechnical investigation reports, as-graded reports, and engineering correspondence.
• Act as engineer of record on projects requiring GE certification.
• Own client relationships and serve as the primary technical contact on assigned projects.
• Coordinate with field technicians, drillers, and lab staff to keep projects on schedule.
• Contribute to proposals, scoping, and fee estimation for new work.
• Mentor junior engineers and staff geologists.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies as needed.

Skills

Geotechnical field investigations

Engineering analysis

Client relationships

Project coordination

Team mentorship

Regulatory liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

SLOPE/W

LPILE

SHAKE

Job description

My client, a testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) company with an established geotechnical division in California, is looking for a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their team. This is a chance to take ownership of technical delivery on a varied caseload - from residential grading to public infrastructure - with a firm that holds DSA and Caltrans accreditations and a strong regional reputation.

The Role

• Plan and oversee geotechnical field investigations (borings, test pits, in-situ testing) across residential, commercial, and public works projects
• Lead engineering analysis: bearing capacity, settlement, slope stability, and seismic hazard assessment (liquefaction, lateral spreading)
• Prepare and stamp geotechnical investigation reports, as-graded reports, and engineering correspondence
• Act as engineer of record on projects requiring GE certification
• Own client relationships and serve as the primary technical contact on assigned projects
• Coordinate with field technicians, drillers, and lab staff to keep projects on schedule and on spec
• Contribute to proposals, scoping, and fee estimation for new work
• Mentor junior engineers and staff geologists
• Liaise directly with regulatory bodies (building departments, DSA, Caltrans) as needed

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field
• Active California GE (Geotechnical Engineer) license - required
• 5+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience
• Track record as engineer of record on reports involving slope stability and/or seismic hazard analysis
• Strong command of California Building Code and CBC seismic provisions
• Experience on DSA and/or Caltrans-regulated projects strongly preferred
• Comfortable with geotechnical analysis software (e.g., SLOPE/W, LPILE, SHAKE, or similar)

Nice to Have

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering
• Prior experience mentoring junior staff or leading a small team
• Existing relationships across Southern California public works or land development

What's on Offer

• Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience
• 401(k) with match
• PTO and holidays
• Support for license renewals and continued professional development