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Associate Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Wje

Geotechnical Engineer | 10+ Years

Chicago, IL · On-site

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking a self-starter Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer to be an integral part of expanding and developing our geotechnical engineering practice

Wje

Geotechnical Engineer | 20+ Years

Chicago, IL

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an industry-leading, Associate Principal or Principal Geotechnical Engineer to be an integral part of expanding and developing our geotechnical ...

Wje

Geotechnical Engineer | 20+ Years

Northbrook, IL · On-site

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an industry-leading, Associate Principal or Principal Geotechnical Engineer to be an integral part of expanding and developing our geotechnical ...

Arcadis

Staff Civil Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Work with a geotechnical engineering team to assist with the completion of environmental ... Participate in task management/associate project management tasks such as budgets and change orders.

Arcadis

Staff Civil Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$75K - $125K/yr

Work with a geotechnical engineering team to assist with the completion of environmental ... Participate in task management/associate project management tasks such as budgets and change orders.

Delve Underground

Resident Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123K - $171K/yr

... geotechnical engineering. Our primary focus is to make a significant impact on the advancement of ... Founded in 1954, as Jacobs Associates, Delve Underground is an employee-owned firm with 25 offices ...

Delve Underground

Resident Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123K - $171K/yr

... geotechnical engineering. Our primary focus is to make a significant impact on the advancement of ... Founded in 1954, as Jacobs Associates, Delve Underground is an employee-owned firm with 25 offices ...

Delve Underground

Resident Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123K - $171K/yr

... geotechnical engineering. Our primary focus is to make a significant impact on the advancement of ... Founded in 1954, as Jacobs Associates, Delve Underground is an employee-owned firm with 25 offices ...

Leidos

Substation Civil Site Designer

Chicago, IL

$48K - $86K/yr

Coordinate with surveyors, geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, and substation electrical ... Level 3: * Associate's degree or technical diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting ...

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All JobsAssociate Geotechnical Engineer JobsAssociate Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Geotechnical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.2K

$95.7K

$152.1K

How much do associate geotechnical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate geotechnical engineer in Chicago, IL is $95,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $112,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAssociate Geotechnical EngineerGeotechnical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in geotechnical engineering or related field; entry-level certification often preferredBachelor's or master's degree; professional engineering license may be required for senior roles
Work EnvironmentAssists in field investigations, data analysis, and report preparation under supervisionConducts site assessments, designs geotechnical solutions, and manages projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by consulting firms, construction companies, and engineering firmsUsed across similar industries, often with more project management responsibilities

In summary, an Associate Geotechnical Engineer typically holds an entry-level position focused on supporting geotechnical projects, while a Geotechnical Engineer has more experience and responsibilities, including project design and management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate geotechnical engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Geotechnical Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or geotechnical engineering, analytical skills, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering along with an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification. Familiarity with geotechnical software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio), soil testing equipment, and CAD systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe and efficient design of foundations and earthworks, contributing to successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.

What does an associate geotechnical engineer do?

An Associate Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for analyzing soil, rock, and other earth materials to determine their suitability for construction projects such as buildings, roads, and bridges. They assist in designing foundations, slopes, and retaining structures, and often conduct site investigations, laboratory testing, and prepare technical reports. Typically, they work under the supervision of senior engineers and collaborate with other professionals to ensure safe and cost-effective project outcomes.

How does an associate geotechnical engineer typically collaborate with other disciplines on a project?

As an Associate Geotechnical Engineer, you'll regularly collaborate with structural engineers, civil engineers, and construction teams to ensure geotechnical recommendations are integrated into overall project designs. This often involves attending project meetings, sharing soil and site investigation findings, and resolving technical queries related to foundations, earthworks, or slope stability. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as your analyses directly impact safety, design feasibility, and construction methods. You'll also coordinate with project managers to align deliverables and timelines, helping ensure smooth project progress.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Geotechnical Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Geotechnical Engineer job openings:
Associate Geotechnical Engineer jobs near you

Geotechnical Engineer | 10+ Years

Wiss Janney Elstner Associates, Inc.

Northbrook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking a self-starter Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer to be an integral part of expanding and developing our geotechnical engineering practice
If you are enthusiastic about investigating and solving problems, applying your engineering judgment beyond the strict application of the codes, and being a part of a niche, multidisciplinary team of forensic engineers - we want you on our team!
This opportunity may be based in any of the following WJE offices: Atlanta (Duluth, GA); Austin, TX; Chicago, IL (Downtown); Dallas (Irving, TX); Denver (Golden, CO); New York, NY (Midtown); Northbrook, IL (Company HQ); Princeton, NJ; San Francisco (Emeryville, CA)
Responsibilities:
  • Technical project execution, including performing and leading others in hands-on field work, diagnostic testing, and construction administration; combining a first-principles approach and creative problem-solving with a deep understanding of governing codes, design guidelines, and industry practices; collaborating with interdisciplinary project teams across WJE as the geotechnical engineering subject-matter expert (SME); leveraging your expertise for a variety of geotechnical engineering projects, including forensics, problem-solving, and remediation challenges related to buildings and/or infrastructure; and preparing technically excellent client deliverables
  • Day-to-day success of multiple concurrent projects (whether or not you are the project manager), including acting as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, and project teams; jumping in to help where needed; training and mentoring teammates; providing high-quality reviews of work by others; and sealing project documents as the Engineer of Record, as appropriate
  • Project management, including client development, project scoping, assembling and managing appropriate project teams, maintaining project schedules and budgets, negotiating changes to scope, and managing client expectations and deliverables
  • Contributions to geotechnical engineering practice and company-wide objectives, including fostering genuine client relationships inside and outside of WJE; collaborating with other WJE SMEs for in-house knowledge-sharing and training initiatives; and engaging in meaningful involvement in industry-related professional organizations, conferences, and technical committees

Qualifications:
  • Licensed Geotechnical Engineer in relevant state(s)
  • Master's degree or PhD in geotechnical engineering or related field
  • Minimum ten years of relevant geotechnical engineering industry experience, with demonstrated expertise in geotechnical engineering applications across various soil conditions, including but not limited to: design and performance evaluation of foundations for various structure types (including deep foundations); hands-on investigation and testing methods to diagnose distressed conditions; underpinning, ground improvement, and other remedial measures for distressed buildings and other structures; slope stability and earth retention; and settlement issues
  • Dedicated self-starter, motivated to contribute to the growth of an expanding consulting practice based on a "principles first" problem-solving approach
  • Excellent technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:
  • Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites
  • Ability to perform field observations and take soil samples and data measurements (e.g., log borings, piezometers, inclinometers, etc.)
  • Ability to safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes
  • Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
  • Ability to lift and carry materials, tools, and other heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.
  • Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
  • Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.
Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry's most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers
WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:
  • Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.
  • Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation.

A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range:
$101,550.00 - $169,250.00
WJE's industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:
  • Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
  • Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately
  • Time off to care for yourself and others
  • Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development

Learn more about WJE's total rewards package here.
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.

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