1

Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Contributions to geotechnical engineering practice and company-wide objectives , including participating in the attraction, development, and engagement new and existing clients; collaborating with ...

Support senior staff on a variety of engineering projects focused on geotechnical instrumentation, geotechnical investigations, design support for other heavy civil/geotechnical projects, reinforced ...

Support senior staff on a variety of engineering projects focused on geotechnical instrumentation, geotechnical investigations, design support for other heavy civil/geotechnical projects, reinforced ...

Job Type Full-time Description As a Project Geotechnical Engineer, you will play a key role in managing some of the most exciting and technically challenging projects. Responsibilities include ...

Showing results 21-40

Geotechnical Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$42.3K

$98.2K

$155.9K

How much do geotechnical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical engineer in Oregon is $98,191.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $115,200.00 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.

How much is the salary of a geotechnical engineer?

The average salary of a geotechnical engineer in the United States typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions usually start around $60,000, while experienced engineers with advanced certifications can earn over $100,000 annually.

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 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?

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 is a geotechnical engineer?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Oregon? For Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Geotechnical Engineer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Geotechnical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Engineer jobs in OR? For Geotechnical Engineer jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Engineer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,191 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Geotechnical Engineer | 20+ Years

Wje

Portland, OR

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an industry-leading, Associate Principal or Principal Geotechnical Engineer to be an integral part of expanding and developing ourgeotechnical engineering practicecompanywide.

If you are enthusiastic about investigating and solving problems, applying your engineering judgment beyond the strict application of the codes, and mentoring the next generation of forensic geotechnical engineers - we want you on our team!

This opportunity may be based in any WJE office across the continental United States:www.wje.com/offices.

Responsibilities:

  • Project management, including client development, project scoping, assembling and managing appropriate project teams, maintaining project schedules and budgets, and managing client expectations and deliverables

  • Technical leadership, including applying sound engineering judgment and a deep understanding of governing codes, design guidelines, and industry practices; collaborating with interdisciplinary project teams across WJE as the geotechnical engineering subject-matter expert (SME); leveraging your expertise for a variety of geotechnical engineering projects, including forensics, problem-solving, and remediation challenges related to buildings and/or infrastructure; preparing technically excellent client deliverables; providing high-quality reviews and oversight of work by others; and performing and training others in hands-on field work

  • Mentorship, including exemplifying WJE's culture of shared destiny and knowledge sharing to better the team around you: locally and company-wide, formally and informally, on-and-off projects, for technical topics and overall career development of staff

  • Contributions to geotechnical engineering practice and company-wide objectives, including participating in the attraction, development, and engagement new and existing clients; collaborating with other WJE practice leaders for in-house knowledge-sharing and training initiatives; and engaging in meaningful involvement in industry-related professional organizations, conferences, and technical committees

Qualifications:

  • Licensed Geotechnical Engineerin relevant state(s)

  • Master's degree or PhDin geotechnical engineering or related field

  • Minimum of 20 years of relevant industry experience (25+ preferred), including demonstrated expertise in geotechnical engineering applications across various soil conditions, including but not limited to: design and performance evaluation of foundations for various structure types (including deep foundations); hands-on investigation and testing methods to diagnose distressed conditions; underpinning, ground improvement, and other remedial measures for distressed buildings and other structures; slope stability and earth retention; and settlement issues

  • Dedicated self-starter, motivated to build a new consulting practice based on a "principles first" problem-solving approach

  • Excellent technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

  • Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites

  • Ability to perform field observations and take soil samples and data measurements (e.g., log borings, piezometers, inclinometers, etc.)

  • Ability to safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes

  • Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment

  • Ability to lift and carry materials, tools, and other heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.

  • Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment

  • Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry's most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwaveringCommitment to our core and culture, strongExpertise, and genuineEnthusiasm for their work.

Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:

  • Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.

  • Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation.

A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range:

$132,380.00 - $220,630.00

WJE's industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:

  • Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options

  • Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately

  • Time off to care for yourself and others

  • Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development

Learn more about WJE's total rewards package here.

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.