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Trenchless Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Trenchless Engineer will report to the Trenchless Services Engineering Lead, having primary responsibilities supporting the execution of design and field services associated with trenchless ...

The Trenchless Engineer will report to the Trenchless Services Engineering Lead, having primary responsibilities supporting the execution of design and field services associated with trenchless ...

The Trenchless Engineer will report to the Trenchless Services Engineering Lead, having primary responsibilities supporting the execution of design and field services associated with trenchless ...

Lead and generate geotechnical data reports and geotechnical engineering reports. * Serve as a local resource to HDR's Area of Operations, representing HDR's Trenchless Services team to complete ...

Lead and generate geotechnical data reports and geotechnical engineering reports. * Serve as a local resource to HDR's Area of Operations, representing HDR's Trenchless Services team to complete ...

Lead and generate geotechnical data reports and geotechnical engineering reports. * Serve as a local resource to HDR's Area of Operations, representing HDR's Trenchless Services team to complete ...

Trenchless Practice Lead (Remote)

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

$14.25 - $19.75/hr

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving ... We are looking for a motivated candidate to grow our trenchless business who has attention to ...

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Trenchless Engineer information

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$19

$40

$66

How much do trenchless engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for trenchless engineer in the United States is $40.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.21 and $45.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Trenchless Engineer, you need a robust background in civil or environmental engineering, geotechnical analysis, and underground utility construction, typically supported by an engineering degree and relevant field experience. Familiarity with trenchless technology methods (such as HDD, pipe bursting, and microtunneling), design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D), and certifications like NASTT’s New Trenchless Technology Professional program are often required. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you excel when coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams and clients. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, cost-effective, and minimally invasive delivery of subsurface infrastructure projects.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a trenchless engineer?

As a Trenchless Engineer, your daily tasks often include planning and designing trenchless installation or rehabilitation methods, conducting site assessments and feasibility studies, and preparing technical reports or construction drawings. You may also oversee field operations, troubleshoot technical challenges on-site, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Regular collaboration with project managers, contractors, and utility owners is common to ensure smooth project execution. These responsibilities ensure projects are completed efficiently, on time, and with minimal disruption to surrounding environments.

What is a trenchless engineer?

A Trenchless Engineer specializes in designing and overseeing underground construction projects using trenchless technology, which minimizes surface disruption. They work on installing, repairing, or replacing pipelines and utilities without extensive excavation. Their responsibilities include site assessments, selecting appropriate trenchless methods, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing project efficiency. Trenchless Engineers collaborate with contractors, clients, and regulatory bodies to deliver cost-effective and environmentally friendly infrastructure solutions. This field is essential in urban areas where traditional excavation is impractical or disruptive.

More about Trenchless Engineer jobs
What states have the most Trenchless Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Trenchless Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trenchless Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,089 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Trenchless Engineer

HDR

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
HDR is looking for a Trenchless Engineer to join our national Trenchless Services team. This role will provide significant opportunity for professional growth and development. The Trenchless Engineer will report to the Trenchless Services Engineering Lead, having primary responsibilities supporting the execution of design and field services associated with trenchless services: engineering, design and construction applications. 

The Trenchless Engineer will contribute to the Trenchless Program by utilizing their experience and expertise to support engineering and design practices, including hydraulic fracture and inadvertent returns analyses, front end information collection initiatives, such as geotechnical investigation programs and survey coordination for incorporation into critical engineering and design decisions and constructability evaluations, evaluating feasibility of trenchless design and construction, and making recommendations for mitigation as needed throughout the lifecycle of trenchless projects (planning through construction). Data management, quality control of design and construction data, planning, and risk management for supporting all trenchless initiatives are also included in the primary responsibilities for this role. The Trenchless Engineer will manage the execution of the full Trenchless suite of services for all-inclusive projects or as a component to a larger project that includes Trenchless installations. As a licensed Professional Engineer, they will be expected to review, stamp and seal Trenchless project related deliverables. The Trenchless Engineer will also be expected to interface with clients and take on a project management role on Trenchless projects as assigned. They will travel as-needed to support field-based assignments, with the frequency and duration of travel depending on workload; extensive travel may be required at any given time. Field-based responsibilities will include site reconnaissance and oversight of trenchless pipeline installations.  While in the field, the Trenchless Engineer will monitor and report on daily activities, and present field data in a timely manner with a high level of quality. While performing the field-based tasks, the Trenchless Engineer will be required to communicate regularly with all members of the Trenchless Services Team as required for the projects at hand.

 

On a day-to-day basis, they'll also be expected to: 

  • Perform desk top route selection, and evaluate feasibility for design and construction of trenchless crossings.
  • Carry out site reconnaissance visits.
  • Develop a subsurface investigation program for determination of feasibility of construction for various trenchless installation methods.
  • Evaluate surface and subsurface conditions based on collected data and information to determine feasibility of trenchless construction and preferred construction technique.
  • Interface with the Team's various discipline leads and production staff (e.g., geotechnical, CAD, etc.) and communicate frequently to support development of trenchless design deliverables.
  • Communicate regularly with clients regarding project status and technical discussions related to trenchless construction applications.
  • Estimate quantities of materials used and disposed of, for trenchless pipeline installations.
  • Estimate installation loading and stress for trenchless pipeline installations.
  • Assess the application of trenchless technologies (Horizontal Directional Drilling, microtunneling, tunneling, Direct Pipe, etc.) and participate in the definition and selection of preferred method(s)
  • Perform calculations to determine carrier pipe and coating specifications.
  • Define workspace requirements for applicable construction equipment at trenchless crossing locations.
  • Prepare and/or review pertinent project documentation including: project design/construction specifications, bid packages, drawings, design reports, engineering assessments, and data sets.
  • Build knowledge and use available software models for trenchless pipeline design.
  • Interface with project team members outside of the Trenchless Team and other company functions throughout project execution on multidisciplinary projects.
  • Develop permit application documents and drawings.
  • Be aware of and understand the applicable industry standards and governing codes relevant to the various market sectors for which the Trenchless Team performs work (e.g., Oil and Gas, Water/Wastewater, Power, etc.).
  • Ensure that documents, calculations, reports are developed in compliance with the governing project legislation and standardization.
  • Prepare field engineering and as-built documents.
  • Concur in the definition/updating of department standards and procedures as well as ensure adequate feedback/lessons learned from projects.
  • Focus on successful project execution, applying HDR's PMO processes and in alignment with client project delivery goals.
  • Establish and execute workflow delivery that will be applied for all projects including Trenchless engineering, design, subcontracted services, and construction applications.
  • Procure, manage, and coordinate with subconsultants providing various services to Trenchless projects.
  • Perform construction oversight and/or observation in the field, monitoring and reporting on daily construction activities, identifying problematic conditions and providing recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including experience in consulting/engineering, and preferably with Horizontal Directional Drilling, microtunneling, and/or Direct Pipe.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
  • Experience in AutoCAD Civil 3D.
  • Experience in remote work environment.
  • Experience in design and knowledge in trenchless construction methods.
  • Team oriented with strong desire to be accountable and reliable for contributions.
  • Strong writing and computer skills, including proven experience in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments, managing time and prioritizing tasks appropriately and independently to meet deadlines.
  • Self-motivated and ability to work autonomously, while remaining in frequent communication with the rest of the team who are located in other offices around the country.
  • Accountability for time and work ethic.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Travel is required; frequency and duration will be dependent on project needs and may be extensive at times.
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment drug test.

    #LI-MB1, *LI-MB1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Previous experience with Microsoft Office applications, MicroStation or other software as appropriate
  • Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage and deep foundation response software, as appropriate
  • Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917