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Geotechnical Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Geotechnical Project Engineer Location: Lombard, IL or Chicago, IL ot Glendale Heights, IL Onsite ... The role provides a path toward project management, client leadership, and Authorized Project ...

Geotechnical Project Engineer Location: Lombard, IL or Chicago, IL ot Glendale Heights, IL Onsite ... The role provides a path toward project management, client leadership, and Authorized Project ...

Perform and manage multiple projects and tasks within specific budgets, schedules, and deadlines ... Master's degree with Geotechnical emphasis preferred; * Professional Engineer licensure; * 6+ years ...

Perform and manage multiple projects and tasks within specific budgets, schedules, and deadlines ... Master's degree with Geotechnical emphasis preferred; * Professional Engineer licensure; * 6+ years ...

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Geotechnical Project Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$33.4K

$104.3K

$166.7K

How much do geotechnical project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical project manager in Illinois is $104,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a geotechnical project manager do?

A Geotechnical Project Manager oversees projects related to soil, rock, and underground water conditions to support construction and infrastructure development. They coordinate field investigations, analyze geotechnical data, and provide recommendations for foundations, earthworks, and slope stability. Additionally, they manage project timelines, budgets, and communication between engineers, clients, and contractors to ensure successful project completion. Their role is critical in minimizing risks and ensuring structures are safe and sustainable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geotechnical project manager?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Project Manager, you need a solid background in civil or geotechnical engineering, project management experience, and a relevant engineering degree with Professional Engineer (PE) licensure often required. Proficiency with geotechnical analysis software (such as GeoStudio or PLAXIS), AutoCAD, and project management platforms is typically expected. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help coordinate teams and interface with clients and stakeholders. These skills ensure safe, cost-effective, and timely delivery of complex geotechnical projects while maintaining high technical standards.

How does a geotechnical project manager typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project?

As a Geotechnical Project Manager, you will regularly work alongside civil engineers, environmental specialists, construction managers, and clients to ensure that geotechnical considerations are seamlessly integrated into the overall project plan. Collaboration often involves participating in design meetings, sharing site investigation findings, and addressing technical challenges as they arise. Effective communication and coordination are key, as you may need to explain complex geotechnical concepts to non-specialists and ensure that recommendations are understood and implemented correctly. This cross-functional teamwork not only supports project success but also broadens your exposure to different aspects of the engineering process.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Project Manager vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical Project ManagerGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical Engineering, PMP often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, manages teams, liaises with clientsPerforms technical analysis, site investigations, design work
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, consulting engineering firms, infrastructure projectsEngineering consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies

The main difference is that a Geotechnical Project Manager focuses on overseeing projects, managing teams, and client communication, while a Geotechnical Engineer concentrates on technical analysis, design, and site investigations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in responsibilities and scope within geotechnical projects.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Geotechnical Project Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Geotechnical Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Geotechnical Project Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,262 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Geotechnical Project Engineer

TERRACON

Lombard, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Terracon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Role: Geotechnical Project Engineer

Location: Lombard, IL or Chicago, IL ot Glendale Heights, IL

Onsite/Hybrid

Full-Time

$94,270.00 - $120,230.00

Overview:

Terracon's Lombard office has a well-established geotechnical practice serving Illinois transportation, infrastructure, commercial, energy, and private-sector clients. We are looking for a licensed Project Geotechnical Engineer ready to take ownership of project work, lead client and team communication, and grow toward broader project management, technical leadership, and Authorized Project Reviewer responsibilities.

The primary focus of this role will be transportation and public works projects, including roadways, bridge foundations, retaining structures, pavements, drainage structures, utility corridors, and related infrastructure. The position will also include selected commercial, industrial, energy, and site-development projects.

What to Expect:

You will carry real project responsibility from day one: managing investigations, coordinating technical work, communicating with project teams, and preparing deliverables for infrastructure and development projects across Illinois. The role provides a path toward project management, client leadership, and Authorized Project Reviewer development, supported by experienced senior staff and technical reviewers.

Hybrid schedule flexibility is available for office-based work when compatible with project needs, field assignments, training, and team coordination. Relocation assistance and/or a signing bonus may be considered. Terracon also offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and support for continued technical and career growth.

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
  • Professional Engineer license required.
  • 5 to 8+ years of geotechnical engineering experience.
  • Experience preparing geotechnical reports, recommendations, proposals, scopes, and cost estimates.
  • Ability to manage multiple project tasks, coordinate field and laboratory work, and communicate clearly with clients and project teams.
  • Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work in both office and field settings.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

    Preferred qualifications:

  • Master's degree in geotechnical engineering or a related field.
  • Experience with transportation, public works, bridge, roadway, pavement, retaining wall, utility, or infrastructure projects.
  • Familiarity with Illinois transportation agencies, public-sector design teams, and geotechnical reporting requirements.
  • Interest in developing toward project management, client leadership, technical review, and Authorized Project Reviewer responsibilities.

You will manage detailed phases of geotechnical projects and support larger, more complex assignments with senior project managers and Authorized Project Reviewers. Typical responsibilities include:

  • Planning, scheduling, and coordinating geotechnical investigations, drilling programs, laboratory testing, and field staff.
  • Reviewing subsurface data, boring logs, laboratory results, plans, specifications, and project requirements.
  • Performing geotechnical analyses for foundations, pavements, earthwork, retaining structures, slopes, groundwater conditions, and related design issues.
  • Developing practical recommendations for design and construction.
  • Preparing and reviewing geotechnical reports, technical memoranda, proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates.
  • Tracking project progress, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
  • Communicating directly with clients, design teams, contractors, drilling crews, laboratories, and internal project teams.
  • Supporting construction-phase services, including field observation review, test data review, submittal review, and responses to construction questions.
  • Mentoring junior engineers, field engineers, technicians, laboratory staff, and exploration teams.
  • Supporting business development through client communication, proposal preparation, and project pursuit efforts.

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