Geotechnical Project Engineer

Geotechnical Project Engineer

The Geotechnical Project Engineer leads and executes geotechnical projects from initial investigation through design and construction support. This role plans and oversees subsurface investigations, coordinates drilling and laboratory testing, and prepares engineering analyses, calculations, and reports for review. The engineer collaborates closely with civil, structural, and architectural teams to support project planning, design development, and client delivery, while maintaining technical ownership of assigned projects. The position also contributes to proposals and fee estimates, mentors junior staff, and ensures that all work complies with applicable industry standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical projects from subsurface investigation through design and construction support.
• Plan and oversee subsurface investigations, including coordination of drilling programs and field testing activities.
• Coordinate laboratory testing programs for soil and other geotechnical materials, and interpret test results for design use.
• Perform geotechnical analyses and calculations, including soil and foundation analysis, slope stability, deep foundations, earth retention systems, and pavement design.
• Develop geotechnical design recommendations and clearly document assumptions, methodologies, and conclusions.
• Prepare engineering reports, technical memoranda, and calculation packages for internal review and client submission.
• Prepare drawings and technical specifications to support geotechnical aspects of project design.
• Support project planning and design development in collaboration with civil, structural, and architectural partners.
• Assist with preparing proposals, scope definitions, and fee estimates for geotechnical services.
• Maintain technical ownership and accountability for assigned projects, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives are met.
• Support construction-phase services, including reviewing mix designs, evaluating submittals, and addressing field-related geotechnical issues.
• Visit job sites to observe field conditions, support construction activities, and coordinate with contractors and clients.
• Coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary internal teams, clients, and contractors to facilitate successful project delivery.
• Mentor and support junior staff by reviewing their work, providing technical guidance, and fostering professional development.
• Participate in project meetings, both internal and external, to present geotechnical findings and recommendations.
• Support billing and project administration processes by tracking project progress and providing necessary documentation.
• Ensure that all work complies with relevant codes, standards, regulations, and internal quality procedures.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Michigan Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or the ability to obtain it within six months.
• 5–10 years of geotechnical engineering experience with increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in geotechnical project engineering, including leading investigations and developing design recommendations.
• Proficiency in geotechnical design software and analysis for foundations, earth retention systems, pavement design, and slope stability.
• Strong background in soil and foundation analysis, including site investigation, soil analysis, field testing, and laboratory testing.
• Experience overseeing drilling operations, laboratory testing programs, and construction support activities.
• Ability to prepare detailed engineering calculations, technical reports, and specifications.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor technical information to different audiences.
• Proven ability to coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, and architectural professionals.
• Demonstrated leadership capability and experience mentoring junior staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound engineering judgment.
• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Self-motivation with effective time management skills to work independently and within a team environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using AutoCAD to support preparation of drawings and design documents.
• Experience communicating directly with clients and contractors on technical and project-related matters.
• Ability to participate in proposal development, including scoping and fee estimation.
• Comfort working in both office and field environments, including on active construction sites.
• Willingness to travel locally to job sites during business hours.

Work Environment

The role sits within a geotechnical department that includes approximately 10 office-based professionals and more than 30 field staff, fostering close collaboration between design and field operations. Work is primarily office-based, focusing on analysis, design, reporting, and coordination, with occasional fieldwork to support investigations and construction activities. The schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with overtime as project needs require. When work exceeds 40 hours and includes weekend work, employees are eligible for double time on Saturday and Sunday. The position involves local travel to job sites during business hours. Field visits may require walking, standing, and lifting up to 25 pounds while working in typical outdoor construction and investigation environments. The organization offers an integrated approach to site design that includes civil engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and geotechnical consulting, providing opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to a broad range of projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr. Benefit guides are sent to candidates prior to interview.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn Hills, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 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.