Staff Geotechnical Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 15, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 13, 2026.
Job Description
Take Your Geotechnical Career to the Next Level
Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!
Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Geotechnical team is looking for you! From earthquake and seismic engineering to the latest trenchless technology methods, Kleinfelder's Geotechnical Services support the planning, engineering, and construction of complex projects, and our specialists are leading experts in their fields.
Step Into Your New Role
Kleinfelder is seeking a full-time Staff Geotechnical Engineer reporting to our Corporate Headquarters office in San Diego, California. This role will be hybrid with remote, in-office, and occasional field work opportunities.
Our geotechnical engineering team works on challenging and interesting projects within a design center that includes bridge, structural, civil, and water resources engineers, environmental professionals, and laboratory and construction oversight personnel. We work on a large variety of both public and private infrastructure systems ranging from small to large-scale bridges, transit systems, roadways, water and storm water systems, tunnels, commercial structures, deep excavations, and more, all while managing complexities of dense urban sites or difficult mountainous terrain.
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering with 3 to 6 years of related geotechnical experience and an EIT certification. A Master’s degree in Geotechnical, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical Focus is highly preferred.
The successful candidate will conduct field explorations, construction observations, engineering analyses, and other technical support under direct supervision assisting senior operations and technical staff.
Responsibilities include:
- Proposal development
- Oversight of field investigations
- Comprehension of local geologic conditions
- Proficiency in some geotechnical engineering software (examples include Slope/W or SLIDE, SHAFT, LPILE, APILE, Settle3)
- Engineering analyses including but not limited to slope stability, seismic analyses, retaining wall design, deep and shallow foundation design, pavement design, etc.
- Geotechnical Report writing
- Construction observations such as pile installation, excavations, and earthworks
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering; Master’s degree strongly preferred
- Minimum of 3 - 6 years of geotechnical related experience
- Engineer-In-Training certification with the drive and ability to obtain California PE in next few years
- Experience with proposal writing, scope, budgeting, and scheduling
- Experience executing geotechnical field investigations
- Experience with geotechnical engineering analyses such as slope stability, bearing capacity, deep foundations, etc.
- Experience writing geotechnical investigation reports
- Working well in a team environment
Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.
Move Forward with Kleinfelder: Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose - together, we deliver.
Progress with an Employer that Values You
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:
Benefits: Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary Range: $72,238 - $97,372.
Career Development: We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.
Equal Opportunity: Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.