Assistant Project Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Requisition Number: 2026-1610-07

Are you a Geotechnical Project Engineer seeking a challenging opportunity to grow your career with a firm committed to our employees and providing high-quality service to our clients? S&ME is looking for an eager and dedicated full-time Geotechnical Project Engineer to join our team supporting work across our Columbia, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia offices.

At S&ME, we have a history of delivering innovative geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction material testing for over 50 years. Over the decades, we have grown into a trusted partner for clients across various industries, including transportation, energy, water, waste management, education, government, commercial, industrial, and more. Our commitment to technical excellence and integrity has established us as a leader in our field.

Why Work at S&ME?

• Career Growth: We invest in your success with mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities.
• Exciting Projects: Big or small, simple or complex, we do it all. Our projects are as diverse as they are exciting, so every day brings something new.
• Supportive Culture: Collaboration, respect, and positivity fuels our team environment.
• Flexibility: Work-life balance matters to us, helping you thrive inside and outside the office.
• Community Impact: Your work will directly improve the communities where we live, work, and play.

About The Role:

The Geotechnical Project Engineer role involves delivering geotechnical projects from initial investigation through final design recommendations and project completion. Using engineering principles and technical expertise, you'll evaluate subsurface conditions, interpret field and laboratory data, and develop practical solutions for a variety of commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure projects. Working alongside project managers, engineers, field personnel, and clients, you'll help coordinate project activities, prepare technical deliverables, and communicate findings effectively. This position offers a balanced combination of engineering analysis, project management support, and client collaboration while providing opportunities to expand your technical knowledge and advance your career within an experienced geotechnical team.

• Project Planning & Delivery: Assist with and lead geotechnical projects by organizing subsurface exploration activities, overseeing field investigations, and coordinating laboratory testing to achieve project objectives while maintaining established schedules and budgets.
• Geotechnical Evaluation & Design Support: Interpret soil, rock, and groundwater information to develop engineering recommendations for foundation systems, earthwork, pavement design, slope stability, and overall site development.
• Technical Reports & Engineering Documentation: Produce geotechnical reports, engineering analyses, calculations, and design recommendations that accurately present project findings, potential risks, and technical conclusions for clients and project stakeholders.
• Project Communication & Coordination: Partner with project managers, field personnel, laboratories, subcontractors, and clients to resolve technical issues, communicate project progress, and respond to evolving site conditions.
• Leadership, Training & Safety: Provide guidance and support to entry-level engineering and technical staff while fostering a culture centered on safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.

About You:

• You have a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining, or a related engineering field.
• You have 4+ years of related geotechnical engineering experience, which preferably includes some extent of project management responsibilities.
• You have a Professional Engineer (PE) license or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

You Are Willing and Able to:

Perform the physical demands of the position with the use of company-provided Personal Protective Equipment such as:

• Working outdoors the majority of the time in varying weather conditions
• Walking over rough, uneven terrain and standing for potentially up to 12 hours a day
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
• Maneuvering field equipment safely, such as a loaded wheelbarrow, on uneven ground around active construction sites

Grow With Us:

At S&ME, your career growth matters. You'll receive professional training, work on exciting projects, and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry. S&ME provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, as well as career development resources. Come grow and thrive with us at S&ME!

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a 5% company contribution
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
• Paid Maternity/Parental Leave
• Employee Recognition Program
• Credential Incentive Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Vehicle with Fuel Card for Project-Based Work
• $2,000 Referral Bonuses & More!

Join us at S&ME!

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.