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Geotechnical Engineering Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Technical leadership , including applying sound engineering judgment and a deep understanding of governing codes, design guidelines, and industry practices; collaborating with interdisciplinary ...

Project Geotechnical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Project manager and technical lead for geotechnical engineering projects and tasks including evaluation, design and remediation of dams, levees and hydropower facilities; geotechnical instrumentation ...

Project manager and technical lead for geotechnical engineering projects and tasks including evaluation, design and remediation of dams, levees and hydropower facilities; geotechnical instrumentation ...

Engineer I - Geotechnical

Portland, OR · On-site

$58.20 - $70.74/hr

This work also includes: * reviewing geotechnical engineering, engineering geology and site-specific seismic hazard reports; * performing reconnaissance level investigations of proposed development ...

Engineer I - Geotechnical

Portland, OR · On-site

$58.20 - $70.74/hr

This work also includes: reviewing geotechnical engineering, engineering geology and site-specific seismic hazard reports; performing reconnaissance level investigations of proposed development ...

Geotechnical Engineer, Staff

Portland, OR · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

GRI is seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing team. As a Staff Engineer at GRI ... Perform engineering analyses. * Perform settlement analyses. * Conduct pile design. * Perform slope ...

Geotechnical Engineer, Staff

Portland, OR · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

GRI is seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing team. As a Staff Engineer at GRI ... Perform engineering analyses.Perform settlement analyses.Conduct pile design. Perform slope ...

Showing results 21-40

Geotechnical Engineering information

See Oregon salary details

$42.3K

$98.2K

$155.9K

How much do geotechnical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical engineering 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 is geotechnical engineering?

Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the behavior of earth materials like soil and rock. Geotechnical engineers investigate subsurface conditions to design foundations, retaining walls, tunnels, and other structures that interact with the ground. They assess risks related to soil stability, landslides, earthquakes, and other ground-related hazards to ensure safe and durable construction. Their work is essential in construction, mining, environmental projects, and infrastructure development.

What are some common challenges faced by geotechnical engineers during site investigations?

Geotechnical engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, limited site accessibility, and variable groundwater levels during site investigations. These factors can impact the accuracy of soil sampling and testing, requiring engineers to adapt their investigation methods and employ specialized equipment. Collaboration with project managers, civil engineers, and environmental specialists is essential to address these challenges and ensure that collected data is reliable for design and construction planning.

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), site investigation techniques, and certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication skills help in interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, stability, and cost-effectiveness of construction projects involving soil and foundation interactions.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectGeotechnical EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in geotechnical engineering or civil engineering, with licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE)Requires a bachelor's or master's in civil engineering, often with PE licensure
Work EnvironmentField investigations, soil testing sites, laboratories, construction sitesDesign offices, construction sites, urban planning environments
Industry UsageSpecializes in soil, foundation, and earth-related projectsBroader scope including transportation, water resources, structural design

Geotechnical Engineering focuses on soil and foundation analysis, while Civil Engineering covers a wide range of infrastructure projects. Both roles often overlap but differ in specialization and project scope.

Are geotechnical engineers in high demand?

Geotechnical engineers are in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure development and the need for foundation and soil stability assessments. The profession often requires specialized skills, certifications, and knowledge of geotechnical software, contributing to strong job prospects in engineering and construction sectors.

What is the job of a geotechnical engineer?

A geotechnical engineer assesses soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to determine their impact on construction projects. They design foundations, earthworks, and retaining structures, often using field investigations and laboratory testing to ensure stability and safety. Strong knowledge of geology, soil mechanics, and relevant engineering software is essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Engineering jobs in Oregon?

For Geotechnical Engineering jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Geotechnical Engineering jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Engineering jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Geotechnical Engineering job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% 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 24 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.