Freelance Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta’s focus on the utility industry and HBK’s focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

HBK Engineering is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to support projects within a multidisciplinary team of engineers and project managers. This role focuses on geotechnical designs associated with utility infrastructure as part of HBK’s expanding service offerings across power, renewables, telecom, gas, and municipal engineering sectors. The ideal candidate will contribute to client success through technical excellence and project execution.

Within the HBK organization, Geotechnical Engineer will support a range of design tasks including soil borings supervision, geotechnical report preparation, and geotechnical analysis and design. This role involves close coordination with engineers and administrative staff to ensure accurate and timely project delivery.

Our Geotechnical Team’s service offerings include, but are not limited to:

• Design and analysis of shallow and deep foundations, slope stability, settlement and bearing capacity
• Design of Earth Retention Systems, dewatering systems, and rock/soil engineering.
• Onsite evaluations related to phase 2 design and phase 3 construction observation.
• Preparation of calculations, technical reports, specifications, and project drawings.
• Collaboration with structural designers and engineers to resolve design challenges and support project development.

HBK projects span the US and our team is growing to support the increasing demand for our services.

Work Locations: Chicago or Oak Brook, IL, Norristown or Philadelphia, PA, Spring, TX, Denver, CO, Lake Mary, FL, or Iowa City, IA,

• Produce detailed calculations and documentation for earth retention designs
• Prepare and/or review calculations related to shallow and deep foundations as well as bearing capacity and slope stability
• Perform dewatering design
• Coordinate drilling and lab testing
• Collaborate with engineers and designers across disciplines to resolve design challenges and support project development.
• Maintain organized project electronic files and archives
• Contribute to proposal preparation

Qualifications:

• B.S./M.S. Degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in geotechnical engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in geotechnical engineering
• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical and judgement capabilities
• Working knowledge of Mathcad and design software (PYWall, Lpile, Slide)

Essential skills:

• Strong technical skills in a wide range of geotechnical analysis and design
• Computer skills including CADD, word processing, and spreadsheets
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred skills:

• PE registration
• Construction experience
• Utilities experience
• Earth Retention System Design experience

• Leadership opportunities through coaching and mentoring responsibilities
• Professional growth with increased independence and minimal oversight
• Experience in peer review processes under professional engineering supervision
• Advanced project management and risk management experience
• Enhanced client communication and technical reporting responsibilities
• Field experience through walkdowns and stakeholder interactions
• Travel opportunities for project work and professional development
• Collaborative work environment with project management and engineering leadership
• Clear career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's Engineering Track
• Continued preparation for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability and employer paid life insurance. In addition, all full-time roles are also eligible for 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off and holidays. Tuition reimbursement and other role specific company paid professional development opportunities are also available.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.