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Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Ayres Associates

Geotechnical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$135K - $198K/yr

Ayres' team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis ...

HDR

Geotechnical Engineer

Saint Louis Park, MN · On-site

In the role of Geotechnical Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Plan and prepare geotechnical investigations and design activities with significant impact on major company programs * Participate in ...

HDR

Geotechnical Engineer

Saint Louis Park, MN

In the role of Geotechnical Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Plan and prepare geotechnical investigations and design activities with significant impact on major company programs * Participate in ...

TERRACON

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Plymouth, MN · Hybrid

As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer, you'll serve as a trusted technical resource and project leader-guiding investigations, shaping design recommendations, mentoring junior staff and delivering high ...

TERRACON

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$114K - $177K/yr

As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer, you'll serve as a trusted technical resource and project leader-guiding investigations, shaping design recommendations, mentoring junior staff and delivering high ...

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All JobsGeotechnical Engineer JobsGeotechnical Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Geotechnical Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$39.2K

$91K

$144.5K

How much do geotechnical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical engineer in Minnesota is $90,958.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $106,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Geotechnical Engineers Do?

A geotechnical engineer is part engineer and part scientist. In this career, you plan a variety of structures for mining operations and civil engineering projects. This is all done while considering the natural geology of the area, including the soil, rock, and water tables. Your duties revolve around analyzing data on the location and conducting research of your own. This research may involve collecting rock or soil samples from a job site to determine a site’s ground stability or field testing for future erosion and settlement. You also use computer software to confirm your fieldwork further and assist in creating suitable foundations for the conditions of each specific site. You may be responsible for drafting proposals and meeting with clients to report on your findings and progress as well.

Is geotechnical engineering in high-demand?

Geotechnical engineering is in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure development, construction projects, and the need for foundation and soil stability assessments. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with advanced skills and professional certifications such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license.

What work does a geotechnical engineer do?

A geotechnical engineer assesses soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to determine their impact on construction projects. They perform site investigations, analyze geotechnical data, and design foundations, retaining walls, and earthworks to ensure stability and safety. The role often requires knowledge of geotechnical software and adherence to engineering standards.

How much is the salary of a geotechnical engineer?

The average salary of a geotechnical engineer in the United States ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $55,000, while experienced engineers with advanced certifications can earn over $110,000. Salary may also vary based on the complexity of projects and the employer.

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

Geotechnical engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, weather-related delays, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams. Addressing unforeseen subsurface issues requires adaptability and strong problem-solving skills, as well as effective communication with project managers and contractors. Being proactive in site investigation and maintaining close collaboration with civil and structural engineers helps ensure the successful execution of projects.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or executive positions.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsDegree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often requiredDegree in Civil Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentSite investigations, soil testing, foundation designDesign of infrastructure, transportation, water systems
Industry UsageSpecializes in soil, rock, foundation analysisBroader scope including structures, transportation, water resources

While both roles require a background in civil engineering and often similar credentials, Geotechnical Engineers focus specifically on soil and foundation analysis, working closely with construction sites and geotechnical investigations. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, designing various infrastructure projects. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Geotechnical Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering, soil mechanics, and geology, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering. Familiarity with geotechnical software (such as PLAXIS or GeoStudio), laboratory testing equipment, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey technical findings clearly. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety, stability, and success of construction projects and infrastructure development.

What are Geotechnical Engineers?

Geotechnical Engineers are professionals who analyze soil, rock, groundwater, and other earth materials to assess their suitability for construction projects. They design foundations, retaining structures, and evaluate risks related to earthquakes, landslides, and soil erosion. Their work is crucial in ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. Geotechnical Engineers often work closely with civil engineers, architects, and construction teams to provide recommendations for site preparation and design.
More about Geotechnical Engineer jobs
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Geotechnical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $90,958 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineer

Ayres Associates Inc

Saint Paul, MN

$135K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Ayres’ team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis projects, particularly for dams regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This position desires an entrepreneurial mindset to support our growing national practice in FERC Part 12D inspections, comprehensive assessments with risk analyses, and dam rehabilitation projects.

The successful candidate will be a registered professional engineer in geotechnical/geological engineering (civil in states not having a separate geotechnical/geological engineering registration) and have demonstrated expertise in completing saturated and unsaturated slope stability analyses, seepage analyses, settlement and crest deformation analyses, seismic and static liquefaction screening analyses, filter compatibility checks, bearing capacity analyses, and other similar advanced geotechnical computations.

Join Ayres – a USA TODAY Top Workplace recognized in both 2025 and 2026 – where people-first leadership, collaboration, and professional growth create an environment where great teams do their best work.

On any given day, you’ll:

  • Take the lead in identifying marketing opportunities and work collaboratively to win projects from utilities with FERC hydropower licenses, especially risk assessments and Part 12D related work.
  • Manage projects, oversee design and production of plans and specifications, and ensure that the work is produced on schedule, profitably, and in conformance with the quality standards of Ayres.
  • Build and maintain respectful working relationships with Project Managers and other leaders within the company.
  • Support and participate in the development and mentorship of staff.
  • Actively engage in professional organizations.

Required Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (geotechnical or geological engineering emphasis) from an accredited university is the minimum requirement. A master’s degree in geotechnical/geological engineering is preferred.
  • Registered professional engineer (PE) in a US state with ability to become licensed by comity in multiple states where Ayres has offices.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of geotechnical/geological engineering. Previous experience in completing designs and submitting approved analyses for dams at FERC projects is highly desirable.
  • Ability to independently manage projects with budgets of 250 to 2000 hours of engineering time.
  • Working knowledge of FERC, US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and similar industry standards for geotechnical analyses of dam and spillway structures.
  • Experience providing geotechnical engineering support for structural design.
  • Proficient in GeoStudio SLOPE/W and SEEP/W, or other industry-standard slope stability and seepage modeling tools.
  • Experience overseeing geotechnical field exploration and laboratory testing programs, especially for embankment dams.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • Proven communication skills, including great client relationships and a willingness to market services to internal and external clients.
  • A valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Desired Skills and Experiences:

  • A professional geologist registration and experience with dam foundations in various terrains.
  • Experience participating in FERC PFMA and L2RA workshops.
  • Experience establishing mutually respectful, collaborative relationships with utility owners, contractors, and staff representing the FERC Division of Dam Safety.
  • Located within commuting distance of Ayres’ Eau Claire, Green Bay, Roseville, Madison, Fort Collins, or Waukesha offices.

Benefits of being part of the Ayres team:

  • Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
  • Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
  • PTO, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
  • Professional development opportunities.

Please note, benefits vary depending on job status. To learn more about our great benefits, visit our website at https://www.ayresassociates.com/careers/the-ayres-advantage/

Our good-faith compensation approach is fair and equitable, and takes into consideration only permissible factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, training, skills, and experience, and geographic location where the work is performed. A salary range for this posting is $135000 - $198000. The foregoing salary range represents what the company believes, in good-faith, it will pay for the posted opportunity. The individual selected for this role will be evaluated with the compensation factors in mind and placed appropriately.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer