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Geotechnical Civil Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$88K - $131K/yr

Master's degree (MS) in geotechnical, civil, or related engineering preferred * Five or more years of geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing project management experience

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Geotechnical Civil Engineering information

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$116.5K

How much do geotechnical civil engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical civil engineering in the United States is $93,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is geotechnical civil engineering?

Geotechnical civil engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the behavior of earth materials, such as soil and rock, and their interaction with structures built on or within them. Geotechnical engineers analyze soil conditions, assess risks, and design foundations, retaining walls, tunnels, and other structures to ensure safety and stability. Their work is essential for construction projects, including buildings, bridges, roads, and dams, as they help prevent structural failures and address environmental impacts.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Geotechnical civil engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand regions or specialized consulting firms. However, such salaries are typically achieved through senior positions, project management, or consulting work rather than entry-level roles.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In geotechnical civil engineering, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically requires senior-level positions, extensive experience, specialized expertise, or leadership roles such as principal engineer or engineering manager at large firms. High salaries may also be associated with consulting, project management, or working in high-cost regions. Most geotechnical engineers earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high six-figure salaries through advanced skills and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by geotechnical civil engineers when working on large infrastructure projects?

Geotechnical civil engineers often encounter challenges such as varying soil conditions, unexpected groundwater levels, and limited site access when working on large infrastructure projects. Addressing these issues requires thorough site investigations, close collaboration with other engineering disciplines, and adaptability to modify designs as new data emerges. Effective communication with project managers, environmental specialists, and construction teams is essential to ensure that geotechnical recommendations are implemented safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geotechnical Civil Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Civil Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, soil mechanics, and geotechnical analysis, generally supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard software like PLAXIS, GeoStudio, and AutoCAD, as well as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help set exceptional professionals apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and sustainable design of foundations, slopes, and earthworks in construction projects.

What do geotechnical civil engineers do?

Geotechnical civil engineers analyze soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to design foundations, retaining structures, and earthworks for construction projects. They conduct site investigations, interpret geotechnical data, and use specialized tools and software to ensure stability and safety of structures. Their work often involves field testing, report writing, and collaboration with other engineering disciplines.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Civil Engineering vs Structural Civil Engineering?

AspectGeotechnical Civil EngineeringStructural Civil Engineering
CredentialsEngineering degree, PE license, geotechnical certificationsEngineering degree, PE license, structural engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentSoil testing labs, construction sites, subsurface investigationsDesign offices, construction sites, structural analysis labs
Industry UsageFoundation design, slope stability, soil analysisBuilding frameworks, bridges, towers, structural safety

Geotechnical Civil Engineering focuses on soil and subsurface conditions, ensuring stability and safety of foundations. Structural Civil Engineering concentrates on designing and analyzing structures like buildings and bridges. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different aspects of construction projects.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In geotechnical civil engineering, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in consulting firms or managerial roles. High compensation often correlates with project complexity, leadership responsibilities, and geographic location.
More about Geotechnical Civil Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Geotechnical Civil Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Geotechnical Civil Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Geotechnical Civil Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Geotechnical Civil Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Civil Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,020 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

Delve Underground

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site, Remote

$57K - $94K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND


Delve Underground is a leader in heavy civil engineering, serving the transportation, water, wastewater, and energy industries. Specializing in tunnel design, we provide innovative solutions to the most challenging underground problems. Offering comprehensive design, construction management, and dispute-resolution capabilities, our expertise includes civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Founded in 1954, Delve Underground is an employee-owned firm with 21 offices and over 330 team members throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.


We want our employees to make a career doing what they love to do. We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the company. We support their efforts to stay on the cutting edge of technology while fostering a great work-life balance. In addition to working hard, we also have fun. We socialize and celebrate achievements at summer picnics, holiday parties, and company outings.


Benefits: Full Benefits Program consisting of Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, FSA or HSA, EAP, 401(k), ESOP, and company stock ownership program, 9 Paid Holidays, generous paid-time-off program, Work from home flexibility, and Health & Wellness Reimbursement


Pay Rate: $57,443 - $94,683


Staff Geotechnical Engineer


Delve Underground has an immediate opening for a Staff Geotechnical Engineer to join our Pittsburgh, PA office. This position focuses on supporting the delivery of tunnels, shafts, support of excavations, buried structures and other related underground infrastructure in our Pittsburgh office. This position offers a great opportunity for a motivated, detail oriented, team-centric candidate to work on diverse jobs, from local pipeline crossings to water, wastewater, and transit mega-projects across the country. The ideal candidate will have either academic or prior work experience in one or more of the following areas: geotechnical engineering, excavation support, rock mechanics or trenchless technologies.


Responsibilities:

  • Support geotechnical investigation programs including planning, permitting, implementation, field data collection and oversight, data reporting and writing interpretative reports.
  • Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and design calculations for tunnels, shafts, foundations, temporary excavation support systems, and soil/rock slopes.
  • Perform geologic and seismic hazard evaluations
  • Work under the direction of senior engineers, who provide technical oversight
  • Write technical reports and other documents explaining the basis for analyses, designs or recommendations
  • Assist with the preparation of construction drawings and specifications for underground infrastructure
  • Work as integral member of a team on complex, multi-discipline projects.
  • Demonstrate good writing and communications skills and ability to communicate with internal staffs and clients.

Qualifications:

  • BS in Geotechnical/Civil or Geological Engineering
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification or ability and intent to earn within 6 months of hiring
  • Completion of relevant coursework or experience in several of the following: geotechnical engineering, soil and rock mechanics, tunneling, subsurface investigation methods
  • Familiarity with geotechnical analysis software for slope and excavation stability analysis, seepage analysis, seismic site response analysis (such as SLIDE, UNWEDGE, DEEPSOIL) is a plus
  • Ability to manage a number of concurrent assignments and priorities.
  • Strong analytical and technical communication skills.
  • Willingness to work in the field and travel for short-term assignments.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

 

If you feel that you would be right for this position, please fill out our initial application so that we can review your information. We look forward to meeting you!


Delve Underground is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.


Compensation reflects the cost of labor across our US geographic markets. Pay is based on several factors including market location, experience, knowledge, and skills.


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