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Senior Geologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

As a senior member of a multidisciplinary team, you will apply your expertise in geology, geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, and subsurface characterization to help reverse engineer and assess ...

As a senior member of a multidisciplinary team, you will apply your expertise in geology, geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, and subsurface characterization to help reverse engineer and assess ...

Responsibilities ECS Limited is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Senior Project Manager to ... Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG) required; if not currently ...

... with senior officials. * Expert-level knowledge of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts. Preferred Qualifications * Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE ...

Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

... with senior officials. * Expert-level knowledge of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts. Preferred Qualifications * Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE ...

Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $203K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Engineering Geologist will provide home-office engineering geology support to the SRP Pumped Storage Project, with primary responsibility for geological interpretation, documentation, and ...

Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$140K - $203K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Engineering Geologist will provide home-office engineering geology support to the SRP Pumped Storage Project, with primary responsibility for geological interpretation, documentation, and ...

Sr. Project Scientist

Rockville, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Provide senior-level technical oversight and perform environmental field activities associated with ... What we're looking for: * BS degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Engineering, or related ...

Sr. Project Scientist

Rockville, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Provide senior-level technical oversight and perform environmental field activities associated with ... What we're looking for: * BS degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Engineering, or related ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Geologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$14.1K

$118.8K

$176.7K

How much do senior geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior geologist in Reston, VA is $118,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,400.00 and $142,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior geologist?

To thrive as a Senior Geologist, you need strong expertise in geological mapping, data analysis, and field investigation, typically supported by an advanced degree in geology or earth sciences and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with GIS software, modeling tools, and data management systems, as well as certifications like Professional Geologist (PG), are commonly required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help manage teams and convey complex information to stakeholders. These competencies ensure the accurate interpretation of geological data, effective project management, and informed decision-making in exploration or environmental projects.

Is there a high demand for senior geologists?

The demand for senior geologists remains strong in industries such as oil and gas, environmental consulting, and mining, especially in regions with active resource exploration and environmental projects. Experienced geologists with skills in GIS, data analysis, and certifications like PG are sought after to support exploration, environmental assessments, and sustainable development initiatives.

What are the main challenges a senior geologist faces when managing field teams and projects?

Senior Geologists often juggle multiple projects simultaneously, which requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. A significant challenge is coordinating diverse field teams, often working in remote or challenging environments, to ensure safety and data accuracy. Additionally, they must adapt to evolving project scopes and regulatory requirements, all while mentoring junior staff and maintaining clear communication across multidisciplinary teams. Proactive problem-solving and flexibility are essential to overcome these hurdles and deliver successful project outcomes.

How much do senior geologists make in the US?

Senior geologists in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. They often require strong fieldwork skills, geological software proficiency, and relevant certifications such as Professional Geologist (PG).

What does a senior geologist do?

As a senior geologist, your responsibilities are to oversee geological operations and site investigations where you and your team collect samples, locate mineral or natural resource deposits, and assess the geological stability or characteristics of a site. Other tasks include testing and analyzing samples and developing action plans based on your findings. Geologists work in numerous fields, including mining, petroleum or natural gas exploration, construction, and government. Your duties may differ depending on the industry in which you work.

What is the difference between Senior Geologist vs Geoscientist?

AspectSenior GeologistGeoscientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, extensive field experienceBachelor's or higher in Geoscience or related field, often entry to mid-level
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, site assessments, data analysisResearch, data interpretation, laboratory work
Industry UsageMining, oil & gas, environmental consultingResearch institutions, government agencies, energy companies

Senior Geologists typically have more field experience and take on leadership roles in exploration and site assessment projects. Geoscientists often focus on research, data analysis, and supporting exploration efforts. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Senior Geologists usually have more practical experience and responsibilities in project management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Geologist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Senior Geologist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Geologist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Geologist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Geologist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Geologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Geologist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,842 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Leidos

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 491 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join our Analysis Solutions Group in Reston, Virginia. This highly specialized role supports critical national security missions through advanced geologic and geotechnical analysis of underground, hardened, and complex infrastructure facilities.
As a senior member of a multidisciplinary team, you will apply your expertise in geology, geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, and subsurface characterization to help reverse engineer and assess facilities in some of the world's most challenging environments. You will support the development of innovative methodologies, analytical processes, and emerging technologies used to characterize, model, and assess above- and below-ground structures and their surrounding geology.
This position offers the opportunity to solve complex technical problems, conduct cutting-edge analysis, contribute to technology development efforts, and directly support high-priority government missions. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted technical advisor and subject matter expert, working in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment alongside leading scientists, engineers, analysts, and government personnel.
What You'll Do
  • Serve as a senior technical expert in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and subsurface characterization.
  • Conduct advanced geotechnical assessments using open-source information, commercial and classified imagery, intelligence reporting, and geospatial data to characterize geological and engineering properties of sites and facilities.
  • Analyze soil, rock, and geologic conditions to support the assessment of underground and hardened infrastructure.
  • Utilize geospatial technologies, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise, along with vector and raster datasets, to evaluate and document site geology and geotechnical conditions.
  • Develop technical assessments, reports, and briefings that clearly communicate findings, risks, and conclusions to customers and stakeholders.
  • Provide scientific, technical, and systems engineering support for the development of innovative technologies, sensors, and methodologies used to identify, characterize, and assess geotechnical conditions in denied or difficult-to-access environments.
  • Plan and execute field investigations, surveys, and data collection efforts within the United States and internationally.
  • Apply geological expertise to projects involving borehole investigations, soil characterization, fault analysis, rock mass characterization, and subsurface engineering assessments.
  • Conduct field research and produce detailed technical documentation to support mission requirements.
  • Lead the development of new technical approaches, analytical methods, and operational solutions that advance mission capabilities.
  • Brief senior government officials, technical leaders, and mission stakeholders on emerging trends, analytical findings, and technical assessments.

Required Qualifications
  • Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI (or Top Secret with current SSBI and eligibility to obtain TS/SCI with polygraph). U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering Geology, Geology, Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or master's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • Strong background in:
    • Geomechanics
    • Geotechnical engineering
    • Field geophysics
    • Computer modeling and simulation
    • Tunnel and slope stability analysis
    • Rock mass characterization

  • Advanced proficiency with geotechnical engineering software, including:
    • PLAXIS
    • SLOPE/W (GeoStudio)
    • Slide
    • LPILE
    • gINT

  • Experience with GIS technologies, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise, and familiarity with MATLAB.
  • Experience conducting geotechnical investigations, field data collection, and technical research.
  • Working knowledge of drilling operations, core logging, mining operations, tunnel design and construction, trenchless technologies, and subsurface engineering analysis.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior government officials and technical audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply advanced scientific and engineering principles across complex technical programs and mission areas.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Military, defense, or intelligence community experience.
  • Experience applying remote sensing technologies to geological or geotechnical analysis.
  • Knowledge of weapons effects and the response of geologic materials to blast, shock, and other dynamic loading conditions.
  • Experience conducting and processing geologic and geophysical investigations, including:
    • Seismic surveys
    • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
    • Other subsurface sensing technologies

Why Leidos?
At Leidos, you'll work on some of the nation's most challenging and impactful technical problems. This role offers the opportunity to combine advanced geotechnical expertise, innovative technology development, and intelligence-driven analysis to support missions of strategic importance. You'll collaborate with leading experts across multiple disciplines while helping shape solutions to some of the most complex subsurface and infrastructure challenges facing the national security community.
If you're a technical leader with a passion for geotechnical analysis, underground structures, and mission-focused innovation, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact.
#ASBA
#Snakehead
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 8, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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