1

Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

GRI is seeking a Senior to Associate level Geotechnical Engineer, Geological Engineer, or Engineering Geologist with 10+ years of experience in landslide and rockfall evaluations. A qualified ...

Geotechnical Numerical Modeler - Seismic Expertise & FLAC GRI is seeking a Geotechnical Numerical ... Contribute to earthquake engineering, foundation support, slope stability, ground improvement, and ...

Geotechnical Numerical Modeler - Seismic Expertise & FLAC GRI is seeking a Geotechnical Numerical ... Contribute to earthquake engineering, foundation support, slope stability, ground improvement, and ...

Senior Dam Engineer

Portland, OR

$110K - $152K/yr

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Civil Engineer (Geotechnical)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Portland, OR • On-site

$117K/yr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Direct Hire for DoD
As a Geotechnical Engineer you will coordinate planning and design for a team of engineers, scientists and other professionals for a variety of project designs, unique one-time projects, and improvements to existing projects. You'll apply advanced knowledge of geotechnical engineering and general knowledge of structural, hydraulic and civil engineering to define the nature and scope of work, and to project assumptions and derive criteria from inconclusive or variable data.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the individual occupational requirements and the minimum qualifications requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Minimum Qualifications: Your resume should clearly identify at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in federal service with performing independent geotechnical field inspections, site investigations, and analysis and design for civil works projects.
Education:Individual Occupational Requirements:
Basic Requirement for a Civil Engineer: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); OR (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure - Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, or any other written test required for professional registration, by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in A above. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program.
4. Related curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom