Senior Geotechnical Engineer-Houston, TX

Certerra; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Certerra in Houston seeks a Senior/Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead complex projects from proposal through completion. You will oversee subsurface investigations, analyses, and reporting, while guiding staff and coordinating with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

This role offers long-term stability on landmark projects, with opportunities to build the Houston market, mentor geotechnical staff, and contribute to office growth through proposals and client development.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Civil Engineering with geotechnical emphasis.
• 7+ years geotechnical engineering experience incl. subsurface investigations and report prep.
• PE licensed in the United States is required.
• Strong technical geotechnical analysis skills and software knowledge.
• Effective cross- discipline collaboration and client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical projects from proposal to completion, managing scope, budget, schedule and staff.
• Plan and direct subsurface investigations and perform advanced analyses for foundations, slopes, retaining systems, and earthwork.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports and calculations as Engineer of Record.
• Provide construction support and coordinate with clients, contractors and internal teams.
• Prepare proposals, build client relationships, mentor staff, and contribute to Houston market growth.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Subsurface investigations

Engineering analyses

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering (geotechnical)

Professional Engineer (PE) license (US)

Job description

Certerra is a nationally recognized provider of engineering, testing, inspection, and certification services supporting innovation, quality assurance, and resilient infrastructure. With over 1,800 professionals nationwide, we combine technical expertise with practical field knowledge to ensure the communities we serve are built to last.

We are seeking a seasoned geotechnical professional to join our growing team in Houston, TX. As we continue to expand in the region, we are looking for a Senior or Principal level Geotechnical Engineer to play a key role in supporting and leading our efforts. Our current backlog includes several large, landmark multi-year projects, offering long-term stability and the opportunity to be deeply involved in meaningful, high-impact work.

Duties

• Project Leadership: Lead geotechnical projects from proposal through completion, managing scope, budget, schedule, and staff while ensuring high-quality deliverables.


• Technical Expertise: Plan and direct subsurface investigations and perform advanced analyses for foundations, slopes, retaining systems, and earthwork, applying sound engineering judgment.


• Engineering Oversight: Lead preparation and review of geotechnical reports and calculations, serving as Engineer of Record.


• Construction & Collaboration: Provide support during construction and work closely with internal teams, clients, and contractors to ensure successful project execution.


• Business & Team Development: Prepare proposals, build client relationships, mentor staff, and contribute to office operations and growth in the Houston market.

Education/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (geotechnical emphasis) or Geotechnical Engineering.


• 7+ years of geotechnical engineering experience, including subsurface investigations, analysis, and report preparation.


• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the U.S. required.


• Strong technical expertise with geotechnical analysis methods, software, and sound engineering judgment.


• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and engage with clients, contractors, and project teams.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated based on their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such people will be hired based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.