Geotechnical Project Engineer

Geotechnical Project Engineer

At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more.

UES is looking for a Geotechnical Project Engineer to help establish and grow our geotechnical presence in Richmond, Virginia. This is an opportunity for an experienced geotechnical professional who wants more than simply managing an existing book of projects. You'll work closely with our Principal Engineer for Virginia, helping build the Richmond geotechnical operation while taking ownership of projects, proposals, client relationships, and technical delivery. If you've been working as a Geotechnical Project Manager or experienced Project Engineer and are ready for greater ownership and visibility, this could be a compelling next step.

What You'll Do

You'll have the autonomy to manage geotechnical work from opportunity through delivery while helping shape a growing practice.

• Own geotechnical projects from scope and proposal development through final delivery
• Develop and execute proposals with limited support
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, technical quality, and client expectations
• Lead geotechnical investigations, analyses, evaluations, and engineering recommendations
• Build strong relationships with clients, contractors, and project partners
• Partner directly with Virginia geotechnical leadership
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and field staff
• Support projects in both office and field environments as business needs require

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required
• 3+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus but not required.
• Proven track record of managing mid-to-large scale engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Experience in geotechnical site investigations, laboratory testing, engineering design, and construction oversight.
• Experience developing project scopes, budgets, schedules, and risk assessments for infrastructure, environmental, or construction projects.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations (ASTM, AASHTO, FHWA, ASCE, DOT, OSHA, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate multidisciplinary efforts.
• Proven experience in client communication, stakeholder engagement, and contract negotiations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, proposal writing, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Previous experience as a Geotechnical Project Manager
• Experience with a competing geotechnical, engineering, or consulting firm
• Experience helping grow client relationships, a service line, or a local market

This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a professional office and field work site setting.

• Work is performed at a desk for extended periods using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment in a climate-controlled office environment.
• Regular in-person communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders is required.
• Physical demands may include sitting for long durations, occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of materials up to 15 pounds.
• Work at outdoor sites including wetlands, forests, grasslands, construction zones, and undeveloped land.
• Travel on foot across uneven, rugged, or obstructed terrain, sometimes in areas inaccessible by vehicle.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, or sun.
• Possible presence of insects, animals, or natural and man-made hazards in field environments
• Ability to lift and carry between 35–75 lbs. of equipment or samples over distances up to 75 feet.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate lab and field equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during both lab and fieldwork.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats in varied environments, often while wearing PPE.
• Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception, depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here

Posted Salary Range USD $80,000.00 - USD $85,000.00 /Yr.