Staff Geotechnical Engineer or Geologist

SOCOTEC US; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC US in San Jose, CA is seeking a Staff or Senior Staff Geotechnical Engineer or Geologist to support a wide range of geotechnical projects, involving field investigations, analyses, and report preparation.

You will oversee subsurface exploration, coordinate lab testing, perform analyses (slope stability, settlement, foundations), and collaborate with project teams to deliver solutions. This role blends field and office duties and offers growth in a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or related field.
• 1 year (Staff) or 3 years (Senior Staff) geotechnical experience; consulting experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering principles.
• Experience with field exploration, soil classification, geotechnical analyses, and report preparation.
• Ability to perform technical calculations and interpret laboratory/field data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and engineering analyses for commercial, residential, industrial, and public works projects.
• Plan and coordinate subsurface exploration programs, including boring layouts and utility clearance.
• Oversee drilling operations and provide field direction to drill crews and subcontractors.
• Classify soils and prepare logs of borings, test pits, and cores.
• Perform field observations, testing, and construction support services.
• Conduct floor level surveys and other site evaluations as required.
• Review project plans, specifications, and geotechnical data.
• Coordinate laboratory testing programs and evaluate test results.
• Perform geotechnical calculations and analyses: slope stability, dynamic settlement, deep foundation and pile design.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, memoranda, letters, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, geologists, and field personnel for project delivery.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Geotechnical principles

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering / Geotechnical Engineering / Geology

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering / Engineering Geology (preferred)

Job description

We are seeking a Staff or Senior Staff-level Geotechnical Engineer or Geologist to support a wide range of geotechnical engineering projects. This role involves both field and office responsibilities, including geotechnical investigations, engineering analyses, construction observation, laboratory coordination, and report preparation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and engineering analyses for commercial, residential, industrial, and public works projects.
• Plan and coordinate subsurface exploration programs, including boring layouts and utility clearance activities.
• Oversee drilling operations and provide field direction to drill crews and subcontractors.
• Classify soils and geologic materials and prepare detailed logs of borings, test pits, and cores.
• Perform field observations, testing, and construction support services.
• Conduct floor level surveys and other site evaluations as required.
• Review project plans, specifications, and geotechnical data.
• Coordinate laboratory testing programs and evaluate test results.
• Perform geotechnical calculations and engineering analyses, including:
• Slope stability analyses
• Dynamic settlement analyses
• Deep foundation and pile design evaluations
• Prepare geotechnical reports, technical memoranda, letters, and engineering recommendations.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, geologists, and field personnel to support successful project delivery.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year (Staff level) or 3 years (Senior Staff level) of geotechnical engineering experience; experience with a geotechnical consulting firm preferred.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering principles, and subsurface investigation methods.
• Experience with field exploration, soil classification, geotechnical analyses, and report preparation.
• Ability to perform technical calculations and interpret laboratory and field data.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geology, or related discipline preferred.
• Experience with geotechnical software used for slope stability, settlement, liquefaction, and foundation analyses.
• Experience providing construction observation and geotechnical field support services.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or progress toward professional licensure.
• Familiarity with Bay Area geologic and geotechnical conditions.

Additional Information

This is not an environmental geology-related position.

Salary range (salaries for engineers are typically higher than those for geologists):

Staff level: $80,000-95,000/year, depending on qualifications, experience and degree

Senior Staff level: $90,000-105,000/year, depending on qualifications, experience and degree