Bridging the Talent Gap in Geotechnical Engineering

The US geotechnical engineering sector is facing a critical talent shortage. As infrastructure, commercial construction, and renewable energy projects multiply, companies are struggling to find experienced professionals to meet demand, especially at the mid-senior level. 

To better understand the drivers behind this imbalance and explore how organizations can respond, Kieran Judd, Principal Consultant at LVI Associates, offers insights drawn from years of specialized recruiting experience. He highlights key hiring patterns, regional trends, and the growing importance of aligning technical expertise with evolving market demands. 

The foundation of every project 

Geotechnical engineers are essential to construction success. Long before ground is broken, they evaluate subsurface conditions, analyzing soil, rock, and groundwater to inform crucial decisions about design, safety, and buildability. 

“Every single construction project that takes place needs some sort of geotechnical investigation, which means that a geotechnical engineer is usually one of the first needs in preconstruction,” says Kieran. 

Their work influences foundation design, slope stability, and drainage, and is often required to meet permitting and environmental regulations. This early involvement makes them indispensable, regardless of market fluctuations or project type. 

Mid-senior level geotechnical engineering talent crunch 

While demand exists across all experience levels, the most acute need is at the mid-senior level. These professionals typically have seven to twelve years of experience. They are skilled enough to manage complex technical tasks and mentor junior team members, but not yet so senior that their focus shifts entirely to business development or profit and loss responsibilities. 

Without this crucial layer, senior engineers are often stretched thin, having to balance project delivery, staff oversight, client meetings, and proposal writing. This not only limits their ability to scale the business but also leaves junior engineers without the mentorship and support they need to develop. 

According to Kieran, many firms are caught in a cycle where growth is constrained by a shortage of capable mid-level professionals who can shoulder technical responsibilities. These engineers are critical for office productivity, training new staff, and ensuring senior leaders have time to focus on strategic goals. 

Yet this talent pool is limited. Declining STEM and civil engineering enrollment, a lack of focus on geotechnics in academia, and a retiring workforce all contribute to the shortfall. It's a supply-and-demand imbalance that is more pronounced than ever before. 

Regional shifts in demand 

While geotechnical demand spans the country, regional needs are shaped by local development priorities, infrastructure strategies, and shifting market cycles. “Hiring needs can vary significantly not just by state, but by city,” explains Kieran. 

In Texas, for example, hiring strategies have shifted from a heavy focus on transportation projects to emerging opportunities in sectors like commercial, residential, municipal, and renewable energy. “Companies that were previously focused on hiring geotechnical engineers for DOT work are now turning their attention to these other areas,” Kieran notes. This changes highlights both the adaptability of geotechnical professionals and the expanding pathways available within the field. Markets are not shrinking; they are evolving. Engineers with broad, cross-sector experience are particularly well positioned to seize these new opportunities. 

One standout area is renewable energy. “Companies are popping up and rapidly expanding, providing renewable energy specific geotechnical engineering services across the country,” says Kieran. Professionals with experience in solar, wind, or battery storage, especially in rural or environmentally sensitive locations, are in especially high demand. 

Meanwhile, states like Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee are continuing to ramp up investment in transportation infrastructure. This regional diversity underscores the importance of aligning technical skills with localized project needs and growth sectors. 

What employers are looking for 

Success in hiring today extends beyond just technical qualifications. Employers are looking for candidates who offer both expertise and regional insight. 

“We’re not just looking for technical credentials anymore,” says Kieran.  

“What makes a difference is when professionals bring localized project experience, whether that’s understanding permitting in a specific region or knowing how certain soil types behave in local climates. That kind of awareness helps projects move faster and with fewer surprises.” 

Licensing is another critical factor. Many firms, particularly those in the public sector, require engineers to hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which narrows the candidate pool significantly. Demand is strong across consulting engineering firms, public agencies, and design-build contractors, all aiming to grow in-house geotechnical expertise and meet regulatory standards. 

Where talent is most needed 

Geotechnical hiring remains strong nationwide, but key hotspots include: 

• Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Tennessee): DOT-backed roadway, transit, and bridge projects are booming as urban areas expand. Engineers are needed to address stormwater challenges and soil stabilization in flood-prone areas. 
• Texas: While transportation projects have slowed, demand is growing for geotechnical support on large-scale commercial, residential, and energy developments in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. 
• Northeast (New York, Massachusetts): A wave of infrastructure revitalization and coastal protection is driving demand. Projects include seawalls, waterfront developments, and urban tunnel systems. 
• Mountain West (Colorado and surrounding states): Utility-scale solar and wind projects require geotechnical expertise in rural terrain, including slope design, erosion control, and foundation testing for turbines. 
• California: Engineers are needed for seismic retrofitting of public buildings, clean energy facility construction, and geohazard mitigation along the coast and in wildfire-impacted zones. 
• Gulf Coast (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama): Climate resilience and hydrogen energy development are sparking new demand. Projects often involve soft soils, coastal conditions, and complex permitting. 

Aligning skills with market needs 

Successfully hiring nowadays depends on more than technical qualifications. “The right experience in the right market makes all the difference,” Kieran highlights. Whether leading a renewable energy project in Colorado or evaluating transportation infrastructure in Georgia, employers need professionals who bring both deep expertise and local knowledge. 

At LVI Associates, we help clients identify and secure mid-senior level geotechnical engineers who deliver from day one. Our consultants understand the technical and regional demands of the market, enabling us to match companies with talent that accelerates performance and supports sustainable growth. 

Ready to hire?  

If your organization is looking to hire geotechnical engineers with regional experience and proven impact, we can help. Request a call back today to speak directly with one of our specialist geotechnical talent consultants.