Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Schnabel Inc.; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Employee life & ADD insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

401(k) and profit-sharing plan

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

Paid time off

9 Paid Holidays

Wellness program

Professional development and tuition‑e

Job summary

Schnabel Engineering in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead complex projects and mentor junior staff. Ideal candidates have extensive geotechnical experience across transportation, vertical construction, water/wastewater and energy sectors.

The role includes scoping, budgeting, and directing investigations, performing analyses, and delivering high-quality reports while collaborating across Schnabel offices and with clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, including supporting or leading complex infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced geotechnical analysis.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong professional work ethic and ability to perform at a high level.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and work on construction sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop geotechnical engineering scope of services and fee estimates.
• Lead planning, execution, and technical oversight of advanced geotechnical investigations.
• Assign, review and interpret geotechnical laboratory tests.
• Perform/review geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations.
• Develop geotechnical engineering recommendations and write reports.
• Provide engineering support on geotechnical aspects of construction.
• Manage project resources, client expectations, budgets, invoicing, and backlog reporting.
• Collaborate with Schnabel offices to balance workload.
• Participate in business development as a seller-doer.
• Advise clients as a trusted geotechnical advisor.
• Contribute to firm leadership and thought leadership within the practice.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Advanced geotechnical analysis

Technical credibility

Communication skills

Independent worker

Detail-oriented

Education

ABET-accredited civil engineering degree

Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to support our growing business in Charlottesville, VA. Qualified candidates will be well-rounded, organized problem solvers with an interest in managing complex projects and developing younger staff. They should also possess detailed knowledge of geotechnical engineering services for transportation, vertical construction, water/wastewater and power and energy projects.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop geotechnical engineering scope of services and fee estimates
• Lead the planning, execution, and technical oversight of advanced geotechnical investigations
• Assign, review and interpret geotechnical laboratory tests
• Perform/review geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations
• Develop geotechnical engineering recommendations and write geotechnical engineering reports
• Provide engineering support on geotechnical aspects of construction
• Perform project management activities including communicating resource needs, managing client expectations, planning and delegating work, management of project budgets, invoicing and backlog reporting
• Work as a team member within the office and across the business unit in other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources
• Participate in business development as a seller-doer
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients
• Contribute to firmwide leadership initiatives and help shape the future of the practice through thought leadership, including publishing, speaking engagements, and participation in industry-leading organizations.
• Help strengthen Schnabel’s position as a leader in geotechnical engineering, reinforcing our reputation for technical excellence, quality, and client service.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• 10+ years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, including supporting or leading complex infrastructure projects
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced geotechnical analysis
• Recognized for technical credibility, sound judgment, and the ability to solve complex engineering challenges
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong professional work ethic and desire to perform at a high level
• Ability to work independently or as part of a multi-person team
• Attention to detail and well-organized
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders and work outside

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening

The compensation range for10+ years of experience is between $105,000 to $145,000.

Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.