Geotechnical Engineer I

Who We Are
At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled
Geotechnical Engineer
to support a variety of projects involving site investigation, engineering analysis, and technical reporting. In this role, you will evaluate subsurface conditions, interpret soil and rock data, and provide engineering input for project planning and design. Responsibilities include preparing reports, conducting geotechnical assessments, and developing recommendations related to foundations, earthworks, and ground conditions.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of geotechnical principles, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to delivering practical, high-quality engineering solutions. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary project teams, work on diverse assignments, and support the development of junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage field investigations to gather site-specific data and evaluate ground conditions in support of engineering assessments and project planning.
• Perform engineering analyses to evaluate site suitability, structural support requirements, and overall project feasibility.
• Develop and review technical reports, design recommendations, and feasibility studies to support planning, permitting, and construction activities.
• Identify potential risks or challenges related to site conditions and contribute to the development of mitigation strategies and quality assurance measures.
• Contribute to the design of structural, civil, or environmental elements, ensuring site data and assessments are effectively integrated into project solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, construction, and environmental professionals, to support comprehensive and coordinated project execution.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders through meetings, presentations, and written documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff, supporting professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry standards, tools, and best practices to support innovation and continuous improvement in engineering processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of professional experience in geotechnical or related engineering roles, preferably supporting infrastructure, construction, or environmental projects.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required; Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and codes (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO, FHWA, ASCE).
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations relevant to geotechnical and environmental projects.
• Proficiency in engineering tools and software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PLAXIS, GeoStudio, LPILE, Settle3, or similar).
• Solid foundation in engineering principles, soil mechanics, hydrology, structural interaction, and construction methods.
• Experience conducting field investigations, analyzing test data, and translating findings into practical engineering recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical challenges, develop data-driven solutions, and contribute to risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong project coordination, time management, and task prioritization skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience preparing technical specifications, reports, proposals, and cost estimates.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, support project execution, and provide mentorship to junior staff.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement
UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement
here
ID

Position Type
Full-Time
Location
US-KY-Lexington
Job Locations
US-KY-Lexington