Geotechnical Engineer

Job Title: Geotechnical Engineer

Job Description

The Geotechnical Engineer will support and, depending on experience, manage geotechnical projects from initial scoping through field exploration, analysis, reporting, and construction support. This role involves close collaboration with engineers, geologists, technicians, contractors, design teams, clients, and public agencies. Responsibility and project leadership will align with the selected candidates qualifications and experience, offering meaningful exposure to both field and design work in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Support and, as experience allows, manage geotechnical projects from initial scoping through completion.

• Plan and participate in field exploration programs, including test pits and test borings.

• Perform geotechnical analyses for shallow and deep foundations, including bearing capacity and settlement evaluations.

• Conduct analyses related to settlement, retaining structures, and earth pressures.

• Evaluate slope stability and provide recommendations for slopes and embankments.

• Perform pavement-related geotechnical analyses and provide design input.

• Assess seismic considerations, including liquefaction potential and related geotechnical hazards.

• Evaluate and recommend ground improvement techniques where appropriate.

• Analyze and support design related to stormwater infiltration and subsurface conditions.

• Conduct geotechnical investigations, including soil and materials testing, and interpret test results.

• Prepare clear, concise, and technically sound geotechnical reports and design recommendations.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary design teams to integrate geotechnical findings into civil and structural designs.

• Coordinate with contractors and public agencies during construction to provide geotechnical support and resolve field issues.

• Perform site inspections and construction observation related to foundations, earthwork, and other geotechnical elements.

• Use Microsoft Office and other tools to document analyses, prepare calculations, and develop project deliverables.

• Engage in ongoing professional development, including working toward professional licensure and expanding technical expertise.

• Contribute to a collaborative team culture by supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and taking on varied responsibilities as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Geotechnical Engineering, or in Civil Engineering or a related discipline with a strong focus in geology or geotechnical studies.

• Licensed Engineering-in-Training (E.I.T.) with a stated goal of obtaining Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.

• 24 years of experience in geotechnical analysis and engineering.

• Prior experience performing analyses in at least one of the following areas: shallow foundations, deep foundations, settlement, retaining structures, earth pressures, slopes, pavements, seismic considerations, liquefaction, ground improvement, or stormwater infiltration.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience with test pits and test borings.

• Experience with geotechnical investigation and soil or soils testing.

• Experience with material testing and inspection related to geotechnical projects.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office for analysis, documentation, and reporting.

• Ability to work comfortably in both office and field environments, including construction sites.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and interacting with project stakeholders.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, geologists, technicians, contractors, design teams, and public agencies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Wall design experience is preferred but not required.

• Experience or coursework in geology or geological engineering is beneficial.

• Experience with drilling programs and coordination of subsurface exploration activities is advantageous.

• Exposure to geotechnical design for retaining structures, pavements, and foundations is a plus.

• Interest in taking on increasing project-management responsibilities over time.

• Motivation to work in a setting where team members can wear multiple hats and contribute across project phases.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development, continuing education, and pursuit of licensure.

• Ability to thrive in a family-owned, collaborative environment with direct access to experienced technical professionals and mentors.

Work Environment

The role combines field work on construction sites with office-based analysis and reporting. The engineer will typically work five days per week either in the office or on-site to maximize hands-on training and mentorship opportunities, with potential for some remote flexibility in the future. Field assignments may include working around drilling equipment, test pits, and active construction operations, requiring appropriate safety awareness and adherence to site procedures. Office work involves using standard computer and software tools to perform analyses, prepare calculations, and write reports in a collaborative setting. The environment emphasizes varied geotechnical assignments, direct access to experienced professionals, and a culture of mentorship and professional growth, supported by competitive compensation, benefits, and resources for continuing education and licensure.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kirkland, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.60/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kirkland,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.