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Geotechnical Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Engineer - Geotechnical

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$31.25 - $43.26/hr

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

Staff Engineer - Geotechnical

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$31.25 - $43.26/hr

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

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation systems. * Collaborating with clients, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate ...

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation systems. * Collaborating with clients, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate ...

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation systems. * Collaborating with clients, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate ...

Designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation systems. * Collaborating with clients, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate ...

Planning, installation, monitoring, and interpretation of subsurface investigations, laboratory testing, and geotechnical instrumentation. * Project, resource, and staff management, including report ...

Planning, installation, monitoring, and interpretation of subsurface investigations, laboratory testing, and geotechnical instrumentation. * Project, resource, and staff management, including report ...

Plan and execute subsurface investigations, laboratory testing, and geotechnical instrumentation installation, monitoring, and interpretation. * Design geotechnical elements with senior team members ...

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Showing results 1-20

Geotechnical Instrumentation information

See California salary details

$34K

$106.2K

$169.7K

How much do geotechnical instrumentation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical instrumentation in California is $106,186.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $128,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a geotechnical instrumentation?

A Geotechnical Instrumentation job involves monitoring soil, rock, and structural behavior using specialized sensors and equipment. Professionals in this field install, maintain, and interpret data from instruments that measure parameters like settlement, pore water pressure, and deformation. Their work helps engineers assess site conditions, ensure construction safety, and detect potential failures. This role is crucial in projects such as tunnels, dams, foundations, and slopes to prevent structural issues.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in geotechnical instrumentation?

A typical day in Geotechnical Instrumentation often involves visiting project sites to install, calibrate, and maintain monitoring instruments, followed by data collection and analysis to assess ground or structural stability. You may work closely with geotechnical engineers, construction managers, and contractors to ensure instruments are correctly placed and readings are accurate. Some time is also dedicated to reporting findings, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The role combines hands-on fieldwork with office-based tasks, providing a dynamic environment for those who enjoy both technical challenges and collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in geotechnical instrumentation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Geotechnical Instrumentation, you need a solid background in civil or geotechnical engineering, experience with monitoring systems, and a strong understanding of soil and structural behavior. Proficiency in data acquisition software, installation and maintenance of instruments like piezometers and inclinometers, and relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training are often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and excellent communication skills help professionals work effectively both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, safe implementation, and informed decision-making in construction and infrastructure projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geotechnical Instrumentation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Geotechnical Instrumentation jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Geotechnical Instrumentation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Instrumentation jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Geotechnical Instrumentation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,186 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Early Career Geotechnical Engineer

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Costa Mesa, CA

$106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better? 

Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for an Early Career Geotechnical Engineer in our Costa Mesa, California office. The position will have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world projects involving site characterization; landfill design and construction; earth retaining structures; deep and shallow foundations; dams and water containment structures; forensic investigations and litigation support; geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring; numerical analysis of stability and deformation; and geohazard / earthquake characterization / mitigation, all while gaining the business skills needed for a successful consulting career. 

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, and technical professionals serve our clients worldwide. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people. Each employee’s journey at Geosyntec is unique. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.


  • Conducting geotechnical and environmental site characterization including field explorations, sampling and testing, and in-situ infiltration testing;
  • Performing and reviewing geotechnical engineering analyses such as slope stability, shallow and deep foundation design including bearing capacity, settlement, axial, and lateral capacity, excavation support and lateral earth pressures, soil liquefaction and lateral spreading, and seepage;
  • Applying earthquake engineering principles;
  • Developing, installing, and managing instrumentation monitoring systems;
  • Project/task management and proposal preparation support;
  • Preparation of engineering reports, work plans, design calculations, drawings, technical specifications, cost estimates, and permit applications;
  • Analyzing data and preparing maps, tables, and figures;
  • Developing construction documents, including drawings and technical specifications.
  • Civil design, landfill design, and site layout;
  • Supporting fieldwork associated with design and construction services;
  • Monitoring and construction quality assurance of civil construction projects; and
  • Driving personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed. 

  • Bachelor's degree in civil and/or environmental engineering or geology. (required)
  • Advanced degree in a geotechnical related discipline. (preferred)

  • At least 2 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
  • Prior internship or work experience in engineering consulting. (preferred)
  • Strong fundamentals in geotechnical engineering theory and practice. (preferred)
  • Experience with geotechnical and engineering software such as AutoCAD, Slope/W, Seep/W, Sigma/W, Slide 2D/3D, PLAXIS 2D/3D, LPILE, and gINT. (preferred)
  • Excellent writing and communication skills. (required)
  • Willingness to perform regular field work and overnight travel. (required)
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing. (required)
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.

  • Minimum: $ 85,555 /year / Maximum: $106,945/year (Costa Mesa, CA)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.

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