Geotechnical Engineer

Knoxville, Tennessee

About the Company

Our client is one of the largest multidisciplinary engineering consulting firms in the United States, with more than 80 offices and over 4,000 employees nationwide. The organization provides geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, environmental consulting, and engineering services across a wide range of private and public sector markets.

The Knoxville office serves as a major technical hub for the organization, supporting projects throughout Tennessee and across the Southeast. The team works on a diverse mix of transportation, commercial, industrial, government, power, and mission-critical projects, including large-scale data centers, Department of Energy facilities, and major infrastructure programs.

Why This Opportunity?

This position is ideal for an engineer who has developed a strong technical foundation and is ready to take ownership of projects, expand client exposure, and accelerate their progression toward project management and leadership responsibilities.

Unlike highly structured engineering environments where responsibilities remain narrowly defined, this role offers exposure to the full project lifecycle, including:

• Geotechnical investigations
• Engineering analysis and design recommendations
• Report preparation and review
• Client communication
• Proposal development
• Project management
• Construction-phase support
• Business development exposure

The office is known for giving engineers meaningful responsibility early while providing support from experienced technical specialists and senior leadership when needed.

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to support a growing portfolio of transportation, commercial, industrial, government, and mission-critical projects.

This individual will play a key role in project execution, working closely with project managers, drill crews, laboratory personnel, contractors, and clients to deliver high-quality geotechnical solutions.

The successful candidate will be involved in the full project lifecycle, from proposal and investigation planning through engineering analysis, report preparation, client interaction, and construction support.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer looking to broaden both their technical capabilities and project management experience while working on larger and more complex projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate subsurface investigation programs
• Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and evaluations
• Develop foundation, earthwork, pavement, retaining wall, and site development recommendations
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports and engineering documentation
• Interpret field and laboratory testing results
• Coordinate field investigations, drilling activities, and subcontractors
• Provide construction-phase engineering support and consultation
• Attend project meetings, site visits, and client discussions
• Develop scopes of work and assist with proposals
• Support project scheduling, budgeting, and overall project execution
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams across multiple offices
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, and technical excellence

Project Exposure

Engineers within this group regularly support:

• AI and hyperscale data centers
• Department of Transportation (DOT) projects
• Department of Energy (DOE) facilities
• National laboratory projects
• Commercial and mixed-use developments
• Industrial and manufacturing facilities
• Power and energy projects
• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Residential developments
• Government infrastructure programs

The Knoxville office serves as a technical resource for multiple regions, providing exposure to projects that many engineers would not typically encounter until much later in their careers.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Strong background in geotechnical investigations and engineering analysis
• Experience preparing geotechnical reports and recommendations
• Understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and site development
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong technical writing and communication skills
• Valid driver's license and willingness to perform site visits

Preferred Qualifications

• PE license or active progression toward licensure
• Experience supporting transportation, commercial, industrial, or infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with geotechnical software and engineering analysis tools
• Experience coordinating field exploration programs
• Exposure to project management responsibilities and client communication

Career Progression

This organization believes progression should be driven by responsibility, technical growth, and performance rather than simply tenure.

Typical career paths include:

Geotechnical Engineer → Project Engineer → Project Manager → Senior Engineer → Technical Specialist or Department Leadership

Engineers can ultimately pursue either:

Technical Path

• Senior Geotechnical Engineer
• Technical Specialist
• Subject Matter Expert
• Principal-Level Technical Leadership

Leadership Path

• Project Management
• Department Management
• Office Leadership
• Regional Management

The Knoxville office offers significant long-term career opportunities, with exposure to major projects, national clients, and senior leadership located locally.

What You'll Receive

• Competitive base salary
• Annual performance bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Professional licensing support
• Continuing education and technical training
• Exposure to nationally significant projects
• Mentorship from experienced technical leaders
• Clear path toward project management and leadership opportunities

Interested?

Click the application link to apply directly, or contact:

📧
📞 +1 (980) 201-7962

Join a nationally recognized engineering platform where you'll work on everything from transportation infrastructure and commercial developments to data centers, energy facilities, and large-scale government programs, while continuing to grow both technically and professionally