Senior Geotechnical Engineer

About Us

At American Engineering Testing (AET), we believe that people are the heart of innovation. We create an environment that values teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement while delivering innovative engineering and consulting solutions. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we deliver comprehensive testing, analysis, and design to reduce uncertainty in construction projects and offer rewarding work, exceptional training, and career development opportunities.

*The chosen candidate will have the option to select their preferred base location from Williston, ND, Dickinson, ND, Sheridan, WY, Bismarck, ND, Grand Forks, SD, Fargo, ND, or Rapid City, SD. Please note that if stationed in Rapid City, SD, travel expectations may increase.

Job Summary

Coordinate and complete project testing services by applying knowledge of engineering principles and practices to specific problems. Train and direct a project team on multi-disciplinary projects. Requires a fully competent professional in all conventional aspects of geotechnical engineering. Independently performs most assignments. Performs specific marketing duties and implements established marketing goals for the department and company.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Manage simple to complex projects and direct a project team where multiple disciplines may be required from initial authorization to completion including client interaction, work scheduling, interpreting implications of complex data, establishing and monitoring project budget, invoicing and quality control.
• Perform engineering observations/judgments of geostructural activities, including jobs with a higher degree of difficulty.
• Prepare formal geotechnical engineering reports, including recommendations.
• Coordinate and assign staff to perform field testing.
• Critically review, edit, and sign technical reports and correspondence of other staff.
• Prepare proposals and perform marketing/business development duties to meet established department and company goals.
• Generate business for self and others in the department and maintain established chargeability goal.
• Represent AET by presenting ideas, solutions, and innovative advancements to clients, peer groups, public audiences, and regulatory agencies and in professional publications.
• Assist in coaching and training junior staff and perform critical performance appraisals of Technicians and lower level Engineers.

Supervisory Responsibility

Provides work direction to field engineers, technicians, and drillers.

Other Areas of Accountability

• Conduct field, laboratory and office activities in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local regulations, along with AET's QA and Health and Safety Policies, to promote the safety and protection of employees, clients and the public.
• Maintain valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Some positions may require use of personal vehicle for company business. Maintain compliance with DOT driver regulations if required for position. Maintain appropriate physicals if required for position.
• Maintain current working knowledge of applicable regulations, policies, procedures and technologies in designated field(s).
• Participate in professional organizations.
• Maintain professional registration(s).
• Frequent travel required within regional area. Occasional out-of-town travel.
• Many duties outdoors or away from main office/laboratory location.
• Properly use and maintain company instruments and equipment.
• Maintain the quality of service and work product.
• Complete assigned projects within budget and satisfy client needs.
• Coordinate with other AET staff with the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency, productivity and communication.
• Develop and maintain business contacts.
• Perform other tasks as necessary to meet departmental or company goals.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geological (or related) Engineering with 10 or more years of related experience, OR;
• Advanced degree in Civil (Geotechnical or related) Engineering with 8 or more years of related experience (preferred).
• Professional Engineering (PE) registration.
• Ability to obtain registration in other States, as required.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to develop and implement creative/innovative solutions to a wide range of problems.
• Physically capable of the physical labor required, with personal protective equipment. Ability to occasionally move 50 to 100 pounds.
• Demonstrated skill in cultivating and managing external relationships (with clients, prospects, professional associations, etc.) to generate business development opportunities for self and others.
• Demonstrated skill in cultivating and managing client and internal relationships to foster a positive working environment, to develop strong teamwork, and to resolve issues and problems in a positive manner.
• Ability to anticipate, recognize, and manage risk/liability.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to present ideas to large groups in a clear and compelling manner.
• Skill in reviewing contract terms and conditions and making recommendations for final review by company officer.
• Ability to work at environmental remediation, industrial and construction sites and perform field work including, but not limited to, collecting samples, operating field instruments, following procedures, planning, organizing and arranging logistics for the job, and documenting field activities and data collected.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $100,000 and $150,000 per year based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Work Environment


This job primarily operates in a professional office environment. This position also may require field work in outdoor conditions on construction sites with uneven ground and adverse weather conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.


Physical Demands


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50-100 pounds. The employee will occasionally push or pull equipment weighing up to 200 pounds. The employee is required to frequently work outside. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties


Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


Third Party Disclosure

Notice to Third Party Agencies: AET does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by AET's Chief People Officer (CPO), AET reserves the right to pursue and hire these candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.