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Assistant Geotechnical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Olsson

Assistant Geotechnical Engineer

Lincoln, NE

As an assistant engineer on the geotechnical team you will work on projects involving traditional geotechnical engineering analysis, foundation and subsurface design, and evaluation during ...

Olsson

Assistant Geotechnical Engineer

La Vista, NE · On-site

As an assistant engineer on the geotechnical team you will work on projects involving traditional geotechnical engineering analysis, foundation and subsurface design, and evaluation during ...

Essel

Geotechnical Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Additionally, they will provide review and oversight of geotechnical engineering practices, assist in technical staff development, and contribute to business development efforts. Key Responsibilities ...

Essel

Geotechnical Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Additionally, they will provide review and oversight of geotechnical engineering practices, assist in technical staff development, and contribute to business development efforts. Key Responsibilities ...

Essel

Geotechnical Engineer

Sacramento, CA

Additionally, they will provide review and oversight of geotechnical engineering practices, assist in technical staff development, and contribute to business development efforts. Key Responsibilities:

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All JobsAssistant Geotechnical Engineer Jobs

Assistant Geotechnical Engineer information

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$40K

$92.9K

$147.5K

How much do assistant geotechnical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant geotechnical engineer in the United States is $92,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Assistant Geotechnical Engineers typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with higher earnings possible for senior or specialized roles. Reaching a $500,000 salary generally requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-cost regions or consulting firms. Such compensation levels are uncommon for entry- or mid-level positions in geotechnical engineering.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Age is not a barrier to becoming an assistant geotechnical engineer. Many engineers start their careers later in life, and relevant skills such as technical knowledge, problem-solving, and certifications can be developed at any age. Experience and continuous learning are valued in the engineering field regardless of age.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What are some typical projects and tasks an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer handles in their first year?

As an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer, you will often be involved in site investigations, soil sampling, and laboratory testing during your initial year. You may assist in preparing technical reports and supporting senior engineers with design calculations for foundations, slopes, or retaining structures. Expect frequent collaboration with field crews, project managers, and other engineering disciplines, as well as the opportunity to visit construction sites to observe ground conditions and collect data. This hands-on involvement helps build a solid foundation for further professional growth in geotechnical engineering.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior geotechnical engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized consulting firms. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, and a strong professional reputation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or geotechnical engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree and knowledge of soil mechanics and foundation design. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, PLAXIS, or GeoStudio, as well as experience with field testing equipment, is beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities ensure accurate site assessments, safe design solutions, and successful project execution.

What is the difference between Assistant Geotechnical Engineer vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectAssistant Geotechnical EngineerGeotechnical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering; some roles may require internship experienceBachelor's or Master's degree; professional engineering license may be preferred or required
Work EnvironmentSupport role in field and office; assisting with site investigations and report preparationLeading site assessments, designing geotechnical solutions, and overseeing projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in consulting firms, construction, and engineering companiesUsed in similar settings, often with more responsibility and project management duties

The main difference between an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer and a Geotechnical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. The assistant role typically involves supporting tasks under supervision, while the geotechnical engineer takes on more independent project management and design responsibilities. Both roles require relevant degrees, but the geotechnical engineer often holds a professional license and has more advanced expertise.

What does an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer do?

An Assistant Geotechnical Engineer supports senior engineers in investigating and analyzing soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at construction sites. Their work involves site inspections, collecting soil samples, conducting laboratory tests, and helping to prepare geotechnical reports. They assist in designing foundations, retaining walls, and other structures based on site-specific geotechnical data. Additionally, they ensure that construction projects comply with safety and environmental regulations by monitoring ground conditions and providing technical advice.
More about Assistant Geotechnical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Geotechnical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Geotechnical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Assistant Geotechnical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Geotechnical Engineer jobs are:
Assistant Geotechnical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Geotechnical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,871 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Assistant Geotechnical Engineer (Phoenix)

Assistant Geotechnical Engineer (Phoenix)

Burns & McDonnell

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 78 rated construction

Job description

The Assistant Geotechnical Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to assist project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects including power, process, corporate, pipeline, airports, institutional, industrial, manufacturing, government and military facilities. The Assistant Geotechnical Engineer will work with the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting geotechnical plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs. Field assignment time will be dependent upon project requirements.

  • Assists with field reconnaissance and geological research to evaluate site-specific geologic and hydrogeologic conditions and risks. Assists with development of work scopes and subcontracts for subsurface investigations in support of geotechnical design and evaluation efforts.
  • Assists with performance of research and compiles project related data as required by the project team. Assists with compiling geotechnical data, boring logs and subsurface profiles.
  • Assists with field observation of site investigation activities.
  • Assists in the geotechnical design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion. Assists in geotechnical hazard assessments, design of shallow and deep foundations, settlement analysis, slope stability analyses, and earthwork.
  • Assists in the preparation and review of engineering design calculations, reports, specifications and construction documents, and other technical documents as needed.
  • Applies basic knowledge of commonly used geotechnical engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the geotechnical engineering services industry.
  • Assists with client presentations and contract administration.

  • Performs geotechnical-related construction observation during the construction phase of projects.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.
  • Bachelor Degree of Science Degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited program required. 
  • Master Degree of Science Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering (with Geotechnical Emphasis) from an ABET accredited program strongly preferred. 
  • Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred. 
  • Basic knowledge in standard geotechnical engineering techniques, principles and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Basic geotechnical software skills preferred, including Ensoft LPILE, slope stability (GeoStudio or UTEXAS4), liquefaction analysis software, excavation support and wall design software.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred. 
  • Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
  • Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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