Staff Engineer

UES; Kingsport (TN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UES in Kingsport, TN is seeking a Staff Engineer to plan, design, and direct engineering testing projects including geotechnical design. The role involves significant travel to project sites, requiring a valid Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certification and a Bachelor’s degree in engineering.

Responsibilities include analyzing data for project feasibility, inspecting sites for compliance, and preparing engineering documents. Desired candidates will have strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in teams.

Qualifications

• Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certification.
• Ability to earn a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic understanding of construction methods and site safety.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in both field and office environments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Calculate cost and determine feasibility of project based on analysis of data.
• Analyze various data to plan and design projects.
• Prepare and modify reports, specifications, plans, and designs.
• Inspect construction sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance.
• Use engineering and design software to prepare documents.
• Direct activities at project sites as necessary.

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.

Position Overview

As a Staff Engineer you will be responsible for planning, designing, and directing engineering testing projects such as pre‑development, geotechnical design, and, when necessary, civil design support.

Responsibilities

• Calculate cost and determine feasibility of project based on analysis of collected data.
• Analyze reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, tests, and aerial photographs on soil composition, terrain, hydrological characteristics, and other topographic and geological data to plan and design projects.
• Prepare or direct the preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, testing schedules, and designs for projects.
• Inspect construction sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering test plans, specifications, and safety standards.
• Use computer‑assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
• Direct various activities at project sites as necessary.

Qualifications

• Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certification.
• Ability to earn a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering from a four‑year college or university; one to two years of related experience and/or training.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and working with project teams.
• Basic understanding of construction methods, site safety, and environmental regulations is helpful.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in both field and office environments and travel to project sites as needed.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, to support business objectives and client engagements.
• Travel may be scheduled or 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

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man‑made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
• 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.

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.