Director Geotechnical Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Geotechnical Engineer

Full Time DOT LAB, McLean, VA, US

About the Opportunity

Join the Federal Highway Administration’s nationally recognized Geotechnical (GEO) Laboratory and contribute to research that directly impacts the safety, durability, and performance of U.S. transportation infrastructure. As a Geotechnical Research Engineer - Level 2, you will support cutting-edge research across multiple focus areas—including pavements, scour, bridge foundations, and corrosion of buried elements with primary focus on soil-structure interaction, structural backfill, advanced material characterization, and the application of data science to advanced engineering analytics and predictive research modeling.

This role is ideal for early-career engineers with strong academic training, hands-on research experience, and an interest in leveraging machine learning and AI tools in a highly technical, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities: Laboratory & Field Research

• Lead the development of detailed research workplans specifically focused on bridge-related soil-structure interaction to address high-priority challenges faced by State DOT engineers.
• Conduct standard and advanced geotechnical laboratory tests (triaxial, direct shear, resilient modulus, permeability, erosion testing, etc.) per ASTM/AASHTO standards.
• Prepare, fabricate, and test soil and aggregate specimens, including large-scale and specialty tests.
• Install instrumentation, assemble data acquisition systems, and support field monitoring activities.

Data Science, Analysis & Numerical Modelling

• Apply machine learning, AI tools, and advanced data analytics to interpret complex laboratory and field datasets.
• Analyze laboratory and field data; prepare plots, summaries, and interpretations.
• Conduct literature reviews, synthesize findings, and support development of research workplans.
• Perform advanced numerical modeling (e.g., finite element modeling, constitutive modeling) with a specific focus on soil-structure interaction.

Documentation, Reporting and Lab Operations

• Document test procedures with high-quality notes, photos, and schematics.
• Develop and prepare FHWA research reports, TechBriefs, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Support preparation of presentations, technical summaries, and technology-transfer materials.
• Assist with equipment setup, maintenance, calibration, safety compliance, and procurement of specialty instrumentation and supplies.
• Participate in weekly progress meetings and maintain organized project files.

Required Qualifications (GT-RE Level 2)

• Master’s degree in civil engineering with a core concentration in Geotechnical Engineering
• Demonstrated experience in bridge-related geotechnical engineering, soil-structure interaction, and advanced material/aggregate characterization.
• Hands-on experience planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting on laboratory-scale or large-scale geotechnical research beyond degree requirements.
• Record of technical publications and presentations
• Strong computational and data analysis skills, including experience with MATLAB, Python, R, or similar programming languages used for engineering applications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to produce publication-ready technical content.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering
• Direct experience developing or applying Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, or advanced statistical models to engineering datasets.
• Proficiency in data acquisition systems, sensors, and geotechnical laboratory instrumentation.
• Familiarity with numerical modeling tools (e.g., PLAXIS, Abaqus, FLAC).

Physical & Professional Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in active laboratory and occasional field environments.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and adherence to OSHA and TFHRC protocols.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a premier federal research facility with state-of-the-art geotechnical equipment.
• More details about the facility can be found at this link.
• Contribute to nationally impactful research that shapes U.S. transportation policy and design.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts in geotechnical, structural, hydraulic, and materials engineering.
• Grow your career through hands-on research, publications, and technical leadership opportunities