Staff Engineer - Geotechnical

French & Parrello Associates; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA

FSA

DCFSA

401k retirement plan

Paid sick leave

Paid time off

Job summary

French & Parrello Associates (FPA) seeks a Staff Engineer in Geotechnical to grow the Geotechnical Department in Hackettstown, Wall, or Newark, NJ. Entry-level candidate will develop soil mechanics and foundation expertise while contributing to diverse projects and long-term growth within the firm.

Responsibilities include field investigations, logging samples, coordinating lab testing, and assisting with geotechnical reports and construction observation, collaborating across disciplines, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required.
• EIT certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics and foundation engineering principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with geotechnical software is a plus.
• Willingness to perform fieldwork outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing geotechnical field investigations, including soil borings, test pits, and site reconnaissance.
• Log soil and rock samples in accordance with industry standards.
• Coordinate laboratory testing of soil and rock materials and review results.
• Perform basic geotechnical analyses under the supervision of senior engineers.
• Support the preparation of geotechnical reports, including recommendations for foundations, earthwork, and site development.
• Assist with construction observation and field inspections as needed.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Maintain accurate field notes, data records, and project documentation.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Foundation engineering

Written and verbal communication

Teamwork and independence

Fieldwork readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification

Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Geotechnical software

Job description

Hackettstown, Wall or Newark, NJ, US

French & Parrello Associates (FPA) is seeking a motivated and talented Staff Engineer to join our growing Geotechnical Department in Hackettstown, Wall or Newark, NJ. This is an exciting opportunity for an entry-level engineering professional who wants to develop expertise in soil mechanics and foundation engineering, support diverse projects, and build a long-term career with one of the Northeast’s fastest-growing engineering consulting firms.

Staff Engineer – Geotechnical

Recognized year after year as one of NJBIZ’s Best Places to Work in New Jersey, FPA is committed to creating a culture where talented professionals are empowered to grow, collaborate, and succeed. In 2026, FPA was ranked #49 on Zweig’s Hot Firm List, recognizing the firm among the 100 fastest-growing AEC firms in the United States and Canada. Our continued growth is driven by our investment in our people, technical excellence, and commitment to delivering innovative solutions for the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing geotechnical field investigations, including soil borings, test pits, and site reconnaissance.
• Log soil and rock samples in accordance with industry standards.
• Coordinate laboratory testing of soil and rock materials and review results.
• Perform basic geotechnical analyses under the supervision of senior engineers.
• Support the preparation of geotechnical reports, including recommendations for foundations, earthwork, and site development.
• Assist with construction observation and field inspections as needed.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Maintain accurate field notes, data records, and project documentation.
• Adhere to company safety standards and protocols during field activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field required.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics and foundation engineering principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with geotechnical software is a plus.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to perform fieldwork, including working outdoors in varying conditions.
• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering; Preferred but not required.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship for U.S. employment authorization is not available for this position.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

The FPA Difference

Large firms offer scale. FPA offers opportunity.

For more than 50 years, French & Parrello Associates (FPA) has been delivering innovative engineering solutions that shape communities, improve infrastructure, and support regional growth. As an employee-owned, mid-sized engineering and consulting firm, FPA combines the technical capabilities and expertise of a larger organization with the collaboration, accessibility, and personal investment of a close-knit team.

At FPA, engineers are empowered to take ownership of their work, collaborate across disciplines, and experience the full project lifecycle. Your career is not defined by one task or limited to one area of expertise. Instead, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your technical skills, work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful infrastructure projects, and develop the experience needed to grow into future engineering leadership roles.

Our multidisciplinary approach allows team members to see the bigger picture, collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines, and understand how their work impacts the communities we serve. We invest in our people through mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for advancement because we believe the success of our employees drives the continued success of our firm.

At FPA, you are not just designing infrastructure, you are helping build a growing organization while contributing to projects that make a lasting impact.

Benefits

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement plans. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.

Compensation

The projected compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $77,000. Actual compensation will depend on factors including experience, education, qualifications, and skill set. FPA recognizes and rewards performance through an annual bonus program.