Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical EngineerThe Geotechnical Engineer runs the interface friction testing program at TRI's Austin laboratory and develops toward signatory responsibility for that program. Interface friction work generally takes precedence; remaining capacity goes to soil-geosynthetic interaction testing (pullout and block connection) and geotechnical laboratory testing (shear strength and consolidation). Assignments flex with laboratory demand, and duties may be redirected as workload and business needs require. The work is hands-on: the engineer builds test setups, maintains equipment, and works daily with technicians, materials, and clients.ResponsibilitiesInterface Friction ProgramRun, schedule, and coordinate the interface friction testing program (ASTM D5321), including laboratory assets and the testing calendarReceive and clarify client testing requests; write testing instructions for the laboratoryPerform interface friction and direct sliding tests between geosynthetics and soils such as clay, silt, sand, and gravelInventory samples, reconcile receipts against client instructions, and coordinate material storage and disposalPrepare and reduce test data for internal review; distribute final reports and coordinate invoicingLearn interface friction practice under senior engineers and progress toward signatory responsibilityPrepare quotations for standalone friction programs as experience growsSoil-Geosynthetic Interaction TestingPerform geosynthetic pullout testing (ASTM D6706)Perform block connection testing for segmental retaining wall systems (ASTM D6638)Support soil-structure interaction evaluations and related custom test programsGeotechnical Laboratory TestingPerform direct shear (ASTM D3080), one-dimensional consolidation (ASTM D2435), and consolidated undrained triaxial (ASTM D4767) testsAdvance into constant-rate-of-strain consolidation (ASTM D4186) as experience developsEquipment, Technicians, and ClientsSet up, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain test frames, transducers, and data acquisition systemsDisassemble, repair, and reassemble test equipment using correct tools and torque settingsWrite basic programs for data acquisition and reductionTrain laboratory technicians in test procedures, equipment operation, and safetyCoordinate daily testing priorities with the Project Management TeamKeep clients and project managers informed of schedules, status, and resultsRepresent TRI on ASTM and other industry committees, with company supportPerform other duties as assignedTRI Environmental, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.RequirementsBS in civil engineering or a closely related field from an ABET-accredited programCoursework in shear strength, consolidation, soil-structure interaction, dynamics, and fluid mechanicsCoursework in physics and electronics; working knowledge of voltages, data acquisition systems, and basic programmingHands-on mechanical aptitude, shown through laboratory work or personal mechanical, electronics, or fabrication projectsAble to perform physical laboratory work, with or without reasonable accommodationOrganized, detail-oriented, and able to manage workload and schedules independentlyStrong written and verbal communication; respect for people at all levelsPreferred QualificationsMS in civil engineering with geotechnical emphasisPE license, compensated accordingly; EIT candidates near licensure are encouraged to applyWorking knowledge of ASTM D5321, D3080, D2435, and D4767; familiarity with D4186Familiarity with geosynthetic materials and their interaction with soils