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Geotechnical Design Engineer information

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$40K

$92.9K

$147.5K

How much do geotechnical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical design engineer in the United States is $92,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a geotechnical design engineer?

A Geotechnical Design Engineer is a professional who analyzes soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to design foundations, retaining structures, tunnels, and other earth-related infrastructure. They use their expertise to ensure that structures are safe, stable, and built on suitable ground. Their work often involves site investigations, laboratory testing, and applying engineering principles to solve problems related to earth materials. Geotechnical Design Engineers play a critical role in construction projects by minimizing risks associated with ground instability and environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geotechnical design engineer?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or geotechnical engineering, typically with a relevant degree and professional engineering licensure (such as PE or EIT). Familiarity with geotechnical analysis software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio), soil testing methods, and design codes is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient design solutions for infrastructure projects, minimizing risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by geotechnical design engineers in project execution?

Geotechnical Design Engineers often face challenges such as accommodating unexpected soil conditions, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that designs meet both safety standards and project budgets. Adapting to changing site data may require redesigns or additional analysis, making flexibility and problem-solving crucial. Effective communication with civil engineers, contractors, and project managers is essential to resolve issues quickly and keep projects on track, especially during site investigations and construction phases.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical Design EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in geotechnical engineering or civil engineering, often with specialization or certification in geotechnical fieldsRequires a degree in civil engineering; specialization or licensure may vary by project
Work EnvironmentFocuses on soil, rock, and foundation analysis, often working on foundation design, slope stability, and earthworksBroader scope including transportation, structural, environmental, and water resources projects
Industry UsagePrimarily employed in geotechnical consulting, construction, and infrastructure projects requiring soil and foundation expertiseEmployed across various sectors including construction, transportation, and urban development

While both roles require a strong foundation in civil engineering principles, Geotechnical Design Engineers specialize in soil and foundation analysis, whereas Civil Engineers have a broader scope covering multiple infrastructure disciplines.

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What job categories do people searching Geotechnical Design Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Design Engineer jobs are:

Geotechnical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,871 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Geotechnical Design Engineer

Malcolm Drilling

Irwindale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Join a company that has been shaping the deep foundation industry for over 60 years! Malcolm Drilling is seeking a driven Geotechnical Design Engineer to support an exciting project located in Irwindale or San Diego, CA. This role focuses heavily on ground improvement design and engineering analysis for ground improvement systems and collaborating with PMs and construction teams to deliver quality and cost-effective solutions. If you're looking for a dynamic opportunity to grow your career with an innovative team, we would like to hear from you!
Job Title: Geotechnical Design Engineer
Location: Irwindale, CA | Office based role
Employment Type: Full-Time
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop detailed design calculations and engineering analyses for ground improvement systems.
  • Utilize proprietary in-house design software (similar to CLIQ) to model and optimize ground improvement solutions
  • Interpret geotechnical reports, soil data, and project specifications to inform design decisions
  • Prepare design reports, technical memoranda, and supporting documentation for internal and external stakeholders
  • Collaborate with project managers, estimators, and construction teams to ensure designs are practical and aligned with project requirements
  • Provide technical support during bidding, including preliminary designs and value engineering alternatives
  • Review and validate field performance data and adjust designs as necessary
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and best practices
  • Support continuous improvement of internal design tools and methodologies

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field, Master's preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in ground improvement design or geotechnical engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred (or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe)
  • Strong understanding of soil mechanics and ground improvement techniques
  • Experience with design software tools; familiarity with proprietary or specialized geotechnical software is highly preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.)
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

Benefits Package
  • Competitive Salary
  • 100% paid premiums for Dental and Vision plans for the employee and all dependents
  • Malcolm covers an average of ninety percent of the medical premium for the employee and all dependents
  • Malcolm contributes up to 10% of your salary into a retirement plan.
  • Opportunities for career advancement
  • A committed safety culture and supportive team environment

Apply