Staff Engineer

Actalent, Inc.; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent, Inc. is seeking a motivated Geotechnical Engineer to support geotechnical investigations, construction materials testing, and engineering analysis for infrastructure and construction projects.

The role blends field and office work, offering hands-on site investigations, lab testing, client interactions, and technical report preparation. This position suits an early-career engineer aiming to grow geotechnical expertise, manage projects, and advance toward PE licensure, with onsite

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience performing field testing, construction materials testing, or geotechnical investigations.
• Strong technical writing and report preparation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing related to geotechnical engineering and construction materials.
• Conduct site observations and monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Collect, document, and analyze field data and testing results.
• Assist with the preparation of geotechnical engineering reports, recommendations, and technical documentation.
• Develop engineering solutions and make project recommendations for review by engineers.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates for geotechnical investigations and materials testing projects.
• Manage small-scale geotechnical and construction materials testing projects from initiation through completion.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and support ongoing business relationships.
• Collaborate with engineers and project teams on larger, more complex projects while independently managing assigned tasks.
• Support professional development efforts, including experience requirements toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Field testing

Construction materials testing

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing engineering consulting team. This individual will support geotechnical investigations, construction materials testing, and engineering analysis for a variety of infrastructure and construction projects. The role offers a mix of field and office responsibilities, providing hands‑on experience with site investigations, laboratory testing, client interaction, and technical report preparation. This position is ideal for an early‑career engineer looking to expand their geotechnical expertise, gain project management experience, and work toward obtaining their Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing related to geotechnical engineering and construction materials.
• Conduct site observations and monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Collect, document, and analyze field data and testing results.
• Assist with the preparation of geotechnical engineering reports, recommendations, and technical documentation.
• Develop engineering solutions and make project recommendations for review by engineers.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates for geotechnical investigations and materials testing projects.
• Manage small‑scale geotechnical and construction materials testing projects from initiation through completion.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and support ongoing business relationships.
• Collaborate with engineers and project teams on larger, more complex projects while independently managing assigned tasks.
• Support professional development efforts, including experience requirements toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Experience performing field testing, construction materials testing, or geotechnical investigations.
• Strong technical writing and report preparation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Willingness to perform field‑related work at least 50% of the time.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as required for project needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior engineering consulting experience (0-4 years).
• Geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience with construction materials testing and field inspection services.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or progress toward obtaining licensure.
• Experience preparing technical reports and engineering recommendations.

This role offers a combination of office, laboratory, and field work. Employees should expect to spend approximately 50% or more of their time performing field services at project sites, with travel throughout the local region as needed. The company supports a robust environment for geotechnical work in Iowa.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $33.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cedar Rapids,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.