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Subsurface Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Serve as a senior technical expert in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and subsurface characterization. * Conduct advanced geotechnical assessments using open-source information ...

Leidos

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Serve as a senior technical expert in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and subsurface characterization. * Conduct advanced geotechnical assessments using open-source information ...

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Subsurface Engineer information

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$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do subsurface engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface engineer in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Subsurface Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Subsurface Engineer, you need a strong background in geology, reservoir engineering, and petroleum engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with technical software such as Petrel, Eclipse, and other reservoir modeling tools, as well as familiarity with industry standards and certifications like SPE or IWCF, is important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you stand out in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for optimizing reservoir performance, ensuring safe operations, and maximizing value from subsurface assets.

What is the difference between Subsurface Engineer vs Reservoir Engineer?

AspectSubsurface EngineerReservoir Engineer
Primary FocusGeological formations, wellbore stability, and subsurface data analysisReservoir performance, fluid flow, and production optimization
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Geology, Petroleum Engineering, or related field; often certifications in subsurface analysisBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or Reservoir Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sites, subsurface modeling labsReservoir simulation labs, field production sites
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, drilling operationsProduction planning, reservoir management

Both roles are vital in the oil and gas industry, focusing on different aspects of subsurface resources. Subsurface Engineers analyze geological formations and assist in drilling, while Reservoir Engineers optimize production based on reservoir behavior. They often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities and skill sets.

What are subsurface engineers?

Subsurface engineers, also known as completion or reservoir engineers, are professionals in the oil and gas industry who design, implement, and manage systems and processes to extract resources from beneath the earth's surface. They focus on optimizing recovery techniques, evaluating well performance, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of subsurface operations. Their work often involves collaborating with geologists, drilling engineers, and production teams to maximize resource extraction while minimizing environmental impact.

What are some common challenges Subsurface Engineers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Subsurface Engineers often work closely with geologists, drilling engineers, and production teams to optimize reservoir performance. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication across disciplines, as each team may have different technical perspectives and priorities. Managing data integration and aligning on project goals are key to successful collaboration. Proactively building strong working relationships and maintaining open communication channels can help overcome these challenges and lead to more effective project outcomes.
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What cities are hiring for Subsurface Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Subsurface Engineer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Engineer jobs are:
Subsurface Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subsurface Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Leidos

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 428 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.
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

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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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