Director of Geotechnical Engineering – West Coast

About This Role

A well-established geotechnical and environmental engineering firm is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead subsurface investigation programs, provide foundation engineering recommendations, and support ground improvement design for a diverse portfolio of civil infrastructure projects.

This role is ideal for a licensed engineer who thrives on applying soil mechanics principles to complex, challenging site conditions — from soft clay deposits and liquefiable sands to karst terrain and expansive soils. You will guide field exploration programs, interpret laboratory testing data, and develop actionable foundation and earthwork recommendations that balance technical rigor with project-specific constructability constraints.

Core Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee, and interpret geotechnical field investigation programs including borings, test pits, CPT soundings, and in-situ testing (SPT, vane shear, pressuremeter)
• Perform laboratory index testing interpretation: gradation, Atterberg limits, consolidation, triaxial shear strength, and compaction testing
• Develop foundation design recommendations for shallow and deep foundation systems (driven piles, drilled shafts, helical piles, auger cast piles)
• Conduct liquefaction susceptibility analyses, slope stability analyses (SLOPE/W, SLIDE), and lateral earth pressure calculations
• Prepare geotechnical engineering reports, boring logs, and subsurface profiles for municipal, transportation, and building projects
• Collaborate with structural and civil engineers to reconcile foundation design requirements with structural loads and site constraints
• Support ground improvement design — stone columns, wick drains, jet grouting, dynamic compaction, and deep soil mixing
• Provide geotechnical construction observation and testing services, including subgrade verification and driven pile monitoring

Technical Requirements

• Licensure: PE license required; PG (Professional Geologist) a plus
• Education: MS in Geotechnical Engineering strongly preferred; BS in Civil Engineering minimum
• Experience: 7+ years of geotechnical engineering, including field investigation management
• Software: gINT, SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, LPILE, APILE, AutoCAD, ArcGIS
• Standards: AASHTO, FHWA Geotechnical Design Manual, USCS soil classification, ASTM laboratory testing standards
• Thorough understanding of consolidation theory, effective stress analysis, and drained/undrained shear strength behavior
• Demonstrated experience with subsurface investigation planning and bore log interpretation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with dam safety evaluations, retaining wall design, or tunneling and underground construction
• Familiarity with seismic ground response analysis (DEEPSOIL, SHAKE) and site-specific ground motion studies
• Knowledge of contaminated site characterization and remedial excavation support
• Experience with PLAXIS or other finite element geotechnical analysis software

Benefits & Culture

Join a collaborative technical practice with a reputation for quality and professional integrity across all project types.

• Compensation: $100,000–$140,000 commensurate with experience and credentials
• Flexibility: Hybrid schedule; field project travel reimbursed at federal mileage rate
• Health: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; employer covers 85% of premiums
• Retirement: 401(k) with 4% employer match + annual profit-sharing contribution
• Professional Development: PE exam reimbursement, PG licensure support, annual CEU budget
• Equipment: Company vehicle or vehicle allowance for field-intensive roles