Senior Geotechnical Engineer

UES, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A national leader in engineering is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer in Knoxville, Tennessee, to manage field investigations and perform engineering analyses. This role requires a strong grasp of geotechnical principles and offers opportunities to contribute to multidisciplinary projects while mentoring junior staff. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geological Engineering and have 3+ years of experience, with the PE license preferred. The position demands strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain.
• Experience in geotechnical site investigations and engineering design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage field investigations for site data evaluation.
• Perform engineering analyses for site suitability and feasibility.
• Develop technical reports and design recommendations.

Skills

Geotechnical principles

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Client communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

LPILE

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Geotechnical Engineer to support a variety of projects involving site investigation, engineering analysis, and technical reporting. In this role, you will evaluate subsurface conditions, interpret soil and rock data, and provide engineering input for project planning and design. Responsibilities include preparing reports, conducting geotechnical assessments, and developing recommendations related to foundations, earthworks, and ground conditions.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of geotechnical principles, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to delivering practical, high-quality engineering solutions. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary project teams, work on diverse assignments, and support the development of junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage field investigations to gather site-specific data and evaluate ground conditions in support of engineering assessments and project planning.
• Perform engineering analyses to evaluate site suitability, structural support requirements, and overall project feasibility.
• Develop and review technical reports, design recommendations, and feasibility studies to support planning, permitting, and construction activities.
• Identify potential risks or challenges related to site conditions and contribute to the development of mitigation strategies and quality assurance measures.
• Contribute to the design of structural, civil, or environmental elements, ensuring site data and assessments are effectively integrated into project solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, construction, and environmental professionals, to support comprehensive and coordinated project execution.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders through meetings, presentations, and written documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff, supporting professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry standards, tools, and best practices to support innovation and continuous improvement in engineering processes.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required
• 3+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus but not required.
• Proven track record of managing mid-to-large scale engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Experience in geotechnical site investigations, laboratory testing, engineering design, and construction oversight.
• Experience developing project scopes, budgets, schedules, and risk assessments for infrastructure, environmental, or construction projects.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations (ASTM, AASHTO, FHWA, ASCE, DOT, OSHA, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate multidisciplinary efforts.
• Proven experience in client communication, stakeholder engagement, and contract negotiations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, proposal writing, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in geotechnical or related engineering roles, preferably supporting infrastructure, construction, or environmental projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and codes (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO, FHWA, ASCE).
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations relevant to geotechnical and environmental projects.
• Proficiency in engineering tools and software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PLAXIS, GeoStudio, LPILE, Settle3, or similar).
• Solid foundation in engineering principles, soil mechanics, hydrology, structural interaction, and construction methods.
• Experience conducting field investigations, analyzing test data, and translating findings into practical engineering recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical challenges, develop data-driven solutions, and contribute to risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong project coordination, time management, and task prioritization skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience preparing technical specifications, reports, proposals, and cost estimates.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, support project execution, and provide mentorship to junior staff.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires occasional travel, approximately up to 20% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vision, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here