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Permafrost Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Post Doctoral Scholar - Baser

Hall, NY ยท On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Tugce Baser's group in the Department of Civil Engineering at Saint Louis University is seeking two ... permafrost and geothermal energy for resiliency and adaptive infrastructure under changing ...

Lab Scientist

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... permafrost or cohesive turbidity currents. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Your key ... PhD in a STEM field, for example engineering, physics or applied mathematics. What You Will Need

Lab Scientist

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... permafrost or cohesive turbidity currents. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Your key ... PhD in a STEM field, for example engineering, physics or applied mathematics. What You Will Need

Showing results 21-38

Permafrost Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do permafrost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for permafrost engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a permafrost engineer?

Permafrost engineers are specialists who study, design, and implement engineering solutions in regions where the ground remains frozen for extended periods, typically in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. They assess the impact of permafrost on infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and pipelines, and develop methods to mitigate risks like ground subsidence and thaw. Their work is essential for sustainable development in cold regions affected by climate change, which can destabilize permafrost and threaten existing structures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a permafrost engineer?

To thrive as a Permafrost Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or geotechnical engineering, with specialized knowledge in permafrost science and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with geotechnical analysis software, remote sensing tools, and environmental monitoring systems, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex environmental challenges. These skills are essential to design, assess, and maintain infrastructure in cold regions while mitigating permafrost-related risks.

What are some common challenges faced by permafrost engineers when working on infrastructure projects in cold regions?

Permafrost Engineers often encounter unique challenges such as ground instability caused by thawing permafrost, which can affect the integrity of roads, pipelines, and buildings. Mitigating these issues requires careful site analysis, specialized construction techniques, and ongoing monitoring to ensure long-term stability. Collaboration with geotechnical experts, environmental scientists, and construction teams is essential to develop solutions tailored to local permafrost conditions. Staying updated on the latest research and engineering methods is also crucial for addressing the evolving impacts of climate change on permafrost.

What is the difference between Permafrost Engineer vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectPermafrost EngineerGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentCold regions, Arctic, construction sites in permafrost areasVarious, including construction, infrastructure, and environmental sites
Industry UsageOil & gas, infrastructure, climate research in cold regionsConstruction, transportation, environmental consulting

Permafrost Engineers specialize in cold-region geotechnical issues related to permafrost stability, while Geotechnical Engineers have a broader focus on soil and rock mechanics across various environments. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in related industries, but Permafrost Engineers focus specifically on cold climate challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Permafrost Engineer jobs?

For Permafrost Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Permafrost Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Geotechnical Engineer (EIT)

Anchorage, AK โ€ข On-site

HDL Engineering Consultants, LLC
Civil Engineering Constructionย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

HDL Engineering Consultants, LLC (HDL) is a leader in providing civil, geotechnical, transportation, arctic engineering, environmental and earth science, surveying, and construction management services throughout Alaska. We are looking for a motivated and detail oriented Geotech EIT to join our team.

This position is heavily focused on geotechnical field work, design, and material testing support. As part of the team, you will collaborate with other Geotechnical EITs and PEs to develop solutions for complex Alaska-specific projects. Our Geotechnical and Materials Testing Department supports a diverse range of projects, including highways, airports, water and wastewater utilities, bulk fuel storage, land development, and more.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer to see projects from beginning to endโ€‘from conducting field work to supporting design and reporting, followed by inspection and construction management. You will also gain experience working with our AASHTO-accredited soils laboratory, which supports geotechnical index testing and a variety of construction materials testing and inspection services.

About You:

You are interested in building your geotechnical engineering experience through a combination of field work, technical analysis, design, and materials testing. You are willing to learn, comfortable working as part of a team, and able to clearly communicate with coworkers, clients, and others.

You are also interested in working on projects throughout Alaska, including assignments in remote locations and under challenging field conditions.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical engineering focus
  • Current Engineering-in-Training certificate or ability to obtain one within six months
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures
  • Ability to work in a team environment and communicate clearly through verbal and written communication
  • Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
  • Ability and willingness to travel for field work in urban and remote Alaska locations, possibly under adverse conditions and for short periods of time, including travel in small, fixed-wing aircraft
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
  • Master of Science degree focused on Geotechnical Engineering
  • Interest in cold regions engineering, including permafrost foundation design, thermal analysis, and thermosyphon layout design
  • Familiarity with foundation design, slope stability analysis, seismic design, earthโ€‘retaining structures, and roadway and airport runway structural section design
  • Familiarity with geotechnical software such as SLOPE/W, Slide2, TEMP/W, GRLWEAP, or similar programs
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Assist geotechnical project engineers with preparing cost estimates, exploration plans, and project reports
  • Participate in and lead geotechnical field work with support from the Geotechnical Services Manager and Geotechnical Project Engineers
  • Participate in field and laboratory testing following successful training and certification, with support from HDL's Materials Testing Manager and Laboratory Manager
  • Prioritize safety during field work and dayโ€‘toโ€‘day operations
  • Operate standard office machines and equipment
  • Travel for field work in urban and remote Alaska locations, possibly under adverse conditions and for short periods of time, including travel in small, fixed-wing aircraft
  • Perform other duties as needed
Work Environment

This position involves both field and office work. In an office setting, this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.

Field assignments may require travel to urban and remote locations throughout Alaska, including travel in small, fixed-wing aircraft. Work may be performed under adverse weather and site conditions for short periods of time. Additional physical requirements associated with geotechnical field work and materials testing may apply, including the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds without assistance.

Our Commitment, Your Benefits

Are you looking for an opportunity to build your technical skills while working on meaningful projects throughout Alaska? Join a supportive, multidisciplinary team at HDL and gain experience across all phases of a project.

At HDL, we are committed to helping our employees grow into successful professionals. We encourage collaboration, teamwork, and continual learning, and we work together to help employees reach their personal and professional goals.

As a team member at HDL, you can expect:

  • Competitive Compensation โ€“ Your skills and contributions are valued. You'll receive competitive compensation, as well as health, dental, and vision benefits, and more.
  • Paid Time Off โ€“ We encourage all team members to take paid time off to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
  • Professional Development โ€“ You'll have opportunities to learn from experienced engineers, expand your technical skills, and gain experience in both the field and office.
  • Work Within a Multidisciplinary Team โ€“ You'll work alongside professionals from across HDL's engineering, environmental, surveying, and construction services.
  • The Opportunity to Create a Lasting Community Impact โ€“ You'll help deliver important infrastructure projects for clients and communities throughout Alaska
About HDL:

At HDL, we want to empower our employees in their careers. When you work with us, we will encourage you to follow your passions, and we promise to be committed to your safety, wellโ€‘being, and professional development.

With more than 90 employees, our services include civil, aviation, transportation, water/wastewater, hydrology & hydraulics, geotechnical, environmental, surveying & mapping, and construction administration. We work with our clients to develop creative solutions with an emphasis on quality, integrity, teamwork, respect, and positivity.

HDL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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