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Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

CDM Smith is seeking an entry-level graduate to join our Geotechnical Engineering team in Fairfax! Under direct supervision, supports geotechnical engineering work on a variety of civil ...

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Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$39.7K

$92.1K

$146.2K

How much do entry level geotechnical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level geotechnical engineer in Virginia is $92,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, often with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles. Entry-level geotechnical engineers typically earn significantly less, with salaries increasing with experience and responsibility.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Entry level geotechnical engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with senior or specialized engineers, often in managerial roles, consulting, or with extensive experience and advanced certifications. Most engineers earning this level have many years of experience, advanced expertise, and may work in high-paying industries or leadership positions.

What does an entry-level geotechnical engineer do?

An entry-level geotechnical engineer assists in analyzing soil, rock, and foundation conditions for construction projects. They conduct site investigations, collect data, prepare reports, and use tools like geotechnical software to support design and safety assessments under supervision.

What is an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer job?

An Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer is a professional who assists in analyzing soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to support construction and infrastructure projects. They help conduct field investigations, laboratory testing, and geotechnical analysis to assess site stability and foundation design. Their work ensures the safety and feasibility of structures such as buildings, bridges, and roads. They typically collaborate with senior engineers, geologists, and project managers to develop reports and recommendations.

What does a typical day look like for an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer?

A typical day for an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer involves a combination of fieldwork, such as conducting soil borings and site investigations, and office tasks like analyzing data and preparing reports. You may spend time collaborating with senior engineers, learning industry standards, and participating in meetings to discuss project progress. There is often a mix of independent work and teamwork, as you assist with designing foundations, retaining walls, or evaluating site risks. The variety in daily activities provides valuable learning opportunities and helps you develop a strong foundation for future advancement in geotechnical engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer, you typically need a degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, a solid grasp of soil mechanics, and basic field investigation experience. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, gINT, and slope stability analysis programs, as well as internships or EIT certification, is often advantageous. Strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn help candidates excel in team and client settings. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the safety, technical accuracy, and efficiency of geotechnical projects from initial investigation through design.

Is there a demand for geotechnical engineers?

There is steady demand for geotechnical engineers due to ongoing infrastructure projects, construction, and environmental assessments. Entry-level geotechnical engineers with skills in soil analysis, geotechnical software, and fieldwork are often sought after in engineering firms and construction companies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,074 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Entry-level Civil or Geotechnical Engineer

SCS Engineers

Virginia Beach, VA

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


SCS Engineers rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

Are you looking for a career that will make an impact globally and within your local community? SCS is at the forefront of developing sustainable environmental solutions through innovative engineering with a focus on the solid waste industry, emission reductions, and renewable energy projects.   

As an entry-level engineer, you will provide engineering and geotechnical support to the Mid-Atlantic team within our solid waste practice, focused on landfill and waste management projects for private and municipal clients. Initially, you will assist with geotechnical aspects of landfill and related facility design, construction quality assurance (CQA), and environmental projects, while gaining hands-on experience in both the field and office. Potential projects include landfill and solid waste facility permitting and design (all phases including construction plans, specifications, and construction documents), engineering analysis, feasibility studies, report writing, and construction oversight. You will be based out of our Virginia Beach, VA office with occasional travel for fieldwork.


As an entry-level engineer, you will contribute to a variety of technical, regulatory, geotechnical, and engineering tasks, including:

  • Prepare engineering calculations in support of reports and design and permit documents.
  • Perform slope stability modeling and analyses for landfills, embankments, and excavations.
  • Conduct geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations for solid waste and environmental projects.
  • Assist in design and preparation of construction plans and specifications for landfill and remediation projects.
  • Provide input on structural and foundation design for facilities and related infrastructure.
  • Prepare permit applications and regulatory agency submittals with supporting documentation.
  • Complete quality control reviews on reports, calculations, design plans, and data prior to submission.
  • Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and clients.
  • Support and perform construction quality assurance (CQA) activities, including field observation and documentation to verify compliance with plans and permits.
  • Prepare short-form, site-specific health and safety plans and participate in safety training.
  • Participate in fieldwork including construction oversight, sample collection, and site meetings with clients.
  • Perform multi-media sampling (soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air) and reporting.
  • Balance office-based engineering analysis with field-based project support.
  • Occasional travel may be required.

  • Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or geotechnical engineering (or civil with geotechnical focus) required; master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering preferred.
  • 3 months of relevant solid waste, civil, environmental, or geotechnical engineering internship, work and/or research experience required.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
  • Valid Driver’s License with a driving record in good standing required.

USD $70,000.00 - USD $75,000.00 /Yr.
Please note that our pay ranges are determined by several factors, including relevant experience, internal pay equity, and location. They do not include any of the amazing benefits of being an employee-owner, which are listed below.
SCS is building a world where environmental systems and infrastructure strengthen the health, safety and resilience of communities from reducing methane emissions at landfills to producing alternative energy, from repurposing contaminated properties to sequestering carbon.
As a 100% employee-owned firm, we bring a long-term perspective, personal ownership and shared success to everything we do. We live our values every day: We care. We are a team. We are tenacious.
Join us and be part of a team where your work has real impact on the world and on your own growth.
As a growing firm, we offer excellent opportunities for career advancement and a comprehensive package, including:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
100% employer- funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401K including employer match
Annual Bonus Program
Student Debt Employer Contribution Program
Paid holidays, PTO and Paid Parental Leave
SCS Engineers is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). SCS provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disabled status.
If you have questions, difficulty using our online system and/or you need an accommodation due to a disability then please contact us about your interest in employment at recruiting@scsengineers.com

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