July 2026Augustinas Zibuda & Yuvann Sayandan5 mins read
The Engineers Every Geotechnical Firm Wants to Hire
Infrastructure investment is accelerating across the US, meaning demand for experienced Professional Engineers (PEs) is creating new opportunities for geotechnical professionals ready to take the next step in their careers.
The US is entering another major period of infrastructure investment. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides approximately $350 billion for federal highway programmes between 2022 and 2026, supporting thousands of projects, from highways and bridges to environmental restoration projects, dams and rail networks. Geotechnical engineers are therefore naturally playing a central role in delivering some of the country's largest developments.
As demand for these projects continues to grow, so does the need for experienced engineers who can lead projects, mentor teams, and take technical responsibility for complex work.
For many geotechnical firms, the search has become increasingly focused on one group of professionals: mid-career Professional Engineers (PEs).
Yuvann Sayandan, Consultant at LVI Associates, has seen that demand increase across the whole of the US:
The mid-level PEs are the most sought after. You either get people who are junior and working towards their PE, or you get senior engineers with 15 to 20 years of experience who are towards the end of their careers. There's not a lot of talent available in the middle.
Why Professional Engineers are in such high demand
As infrastructure projects become larger and more technically demanding, firms need engineers who can do more than produce just technical work.
Professional Engineers are responsible for reviewing and approving designs, signing off reports, and providing the technical oversight required to deliver major projects safely and successfully. According to Augustinas Zibuda, Principal Consultant at LVI Associates:
A lot of companies need a PE to stamp these reports. There's definitely a shortage of geotechnical engineers, so companies end up competing for the same candidates.
For experienced engineers, that demand is creating new opportunities to step into leadership roles and accelerate their careers.
The missing generation of engineers
The challenge facing many firms today has been years in the making.
While graduates continue to enter the profession and senior engineers bring decades of expertise, there are fewer professionals in the middle of their careers than many employers need.
According to Augustinas, that's creating a gap just as infrastructure investment continues to accelerate:
We're struggling to find mid-level engineers because there was a whole generation that never went into geotechnical and civil engineering. We're seeing the consequences of that now.
As experienced professionals approach retirement, developing the next generation of technical leaders is becoming a priority for firms across the industry.
Experience matters, but so does potential
With competition for experienced PEs increasing, many employers are broadening their approach to hiring.
Rather than focusing solely on candidates with traditional academic pathways, some firms are recognising the value of engineers who have developed geotechnical expertise through practical experience in adjacent disciplines, such as geology and engineering geology. Yuvann concludes:
Some companies are considering a wider variety of academic and experience backgrounds. They've learned on the job and can be a great fit.
At the same time, employers are investing in engineers who are working towards their PE, recognising that today's developing professionals will become tomorrow's technical leaders.
Why now is the time to invest in your PE
For engineers looking to progress their careers, obtaining a Professional Engineer licence has never been more valuable.
Beyond expanding technical responsibilities, it opens up leadership opportunities, greater project ownership, and increased earning potential. As Augustinas summarizes:
A PE unlocks so many doors.
For professionals considering their next career move, it's also an opportunity to think beyond salary alone. The right role should provide the support, mentorship and project experience needed to continue developing over the long term.
Looking ahead
Demand for geotechnical expertise shows little sign of slowing. As infrastructure investment continues across transportation, environmental restoration and critical infrastructure, firms will continue to compete for experienced Professional Engineers who can lead projects and support the next generation of engineers.
For candidates, that creates an opportunity to build a career at the centre of some of the country's most significant infrastructure projects, while developing the technical and leadership skills that will shape the future of the profession.
Ready for the next step in your geotechnical engineering career?
As demand for experienced Professional Engineers continues to grow, now is an ideal time to explore opportunities that align with your technical expertise and long-term career goals.
Whether you're working towards your PE, looking to step into a leadership role or ready for your next challenge, our specialist consultants can help you find a position that matches your ambitions.
Explore our latest geotechnical engineering roles or register your resume today.