Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in California
Geotechnical Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in infrastructure, transportation, seismic hazard assessment, and large-scale land development across a market that hires from entry-level field engineers through senior project leads. The heaviest demand is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where firms like Arup, Fugro, and AECOM maintain significant California operations. Slope stability, earthquake engineering, and foundation design are the specialties appearing most consistently in California listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 64+ Geotechnical Engineer jobs
ABOUT CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES
Crawford & Associates, Inc. is a geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and construction materials testing firm founded in 2012, now with over 85 employees across nine offices in California and Washington State. Guided by a mission of long-term client partnerships, reliable advice, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth, Crawford's team of professional engineers, geologists, and specialists delivers creative solutions and responsive service on projects ranging from transportation and bridges to water/wastewater, schools, and commercial development.
JOB SUMMARY
Crawford & Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Engineer I to independently plan and perform geotechnical engineering projects of moderate to high complexity. This role bridges Project Engineer II and Senior Engineer II, taking on increasing technical independence, project leadership, and mentorship responsibilities as a fully licensed Professional Engineer.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Field & Technical Engineering
- Plan and perform geotechnical engineering projects of moderate to high complexity with increasing independence.
- Direct staff and project-level engineers in field investigations, data collection, and report preparation.
- Conduct engineering calculations related to foundation design, slope stability, pavement design, settlement, seismic design, and liquefaction.
- Utilize geotechnical analysis software such as Apile, LPile, Shaft, GeoStudio, and Settle3D.
Reporting, Design & Compliance
- Serve as technical reviewer for tasks completed by staff and project-level engineers for projects of small to moderate complexity, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
- Prepare and review geotechnical reports, analyses, and recommendations.
Project Coordination & Business Support
- Maintain regular communication with client design engineers and provide technical support throughout project phases.
- Support proposal preparation and business development activities.
Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor and guide junior engineers and project engineers.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, or related discipline).
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required.
- Minimum 7 years of progressive engineering experience.
- Experience leading technical components of moderate-to-complex projects.
- Valid driver's license and personal vehicle.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong knowledge of engineering principles, design methodologies, and technical standards.
- Solid understanding of California codes, regulations, and permitting processes.
- Proficiency in engineering software.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently.
- Growing leadership and mentoring abilities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is primarily office-based with occasional site visits and meetings with clients. Standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with variations during busy seasons based on project demands.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Crawford & Associates, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid medical coverage, dental and vision insurance, a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching, paid holidays, and a progressive PTO program. Additional perks include monthly cell phone reimbursement, professional membership dues and annual licensure fees (case-by-case), FE/EIT and PE exam fee reimbursement, and access to HSA, FSA, EAP, and CalPerks resources. Most benefits begin the first of the month following an initial 90-day introductory period.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Crawford & Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Crawford prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, sex or gender, disability or medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs and practices.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Geotechnical engineering: 8 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
ABOUT CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES
Crawford & Associates, Inc. is a geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and construction materials testing firm founded in 2012, now with over 85 employees across nine offices in California and Washington State. Guided by a mission of long-term client partnerships, reliable advice, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth, Crawford's team of professional engineers, geologists, and specialists delivers creative solutions and responsive service on projects ranging from transportation and bridges to water/wastewater, schools, and commercial development.
JOB SUMMARY
Crawford & Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Engineer I to independently plan and perform geotechnical engineering projects of moderate to high complexity. This role bridges Project Engineer II and Senior Engineer II, taking on increasing technical independence, project leadership, and mentorship responsibilities as a fully licensed Professional Engineer.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Field & Technical Engineering
- Plan and perform geotechnical engineering projects of moderate to high complexity with increasing independence.
- Direct staff and project-level engineers in field investigations, data collection, and report preparation.
- Conduct engineering calculations related to foundation design, slope stability, pavement design, settlement, seismic design, and liquefaction.
- Utilize geotechnical analysis software such as Apile, LPile, Shaft, GeoStudio, and Settle3D.
Reporting, Design & Compliance
- Serve as technical reviewer for tasks completed by staff and project-level engineers for projects of small to moderate complexity, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
- Prepare and review geotechnical reports, analyses, and recommendations.
Project Coordination & Business Support
- Maintain regular communication with client design engineers and provide technical support throughout project phases.
- Support proposal preparation and business development activities.
Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor and guide junior engineers and project engineers.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, or related discipline).
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required.
- Minimum 7 years of progressive engineering experience.
- Experience leading technical components of moderate-to-complex projects.
- Valid driver's license and personal vehicle.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong knowledge of engineering principles, design methodologies, and technical standards.
- Solid understanding of California codes, regulations, and permitting processes.
- Proficiency in engineering software.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently.
- Growing leadership and mentoring abilities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is primarily office-based with occasional site visits and meetings with clients. Standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with variations during busy seasons based on project demands.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Crawford & Associates, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid medical coverage, dental and vision insurance, a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching, paid holidays, and a progressive PTO program. Additional perks include monthly cell phone reimbursement, professional membership dues and annual licensure fees (case-by-case), FE/EIT and PE exam fee reimbursement, and access to HSA, FSA, EAP, and CalPerks resources. Most benefits begin the first of the month following an initial 90-day introductory period.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Crawford & Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Crawford prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, sex or gender, disability or medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs and practices.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Geotechnical engineering: 8 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
See All 64 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Geotechnical Engineer JobsGeotechnical Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Geotechnical Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services25
- Construction & Real Estate2
- Energy1
- Human Resources1
- Technology & Software1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in geotechnical engineer jobs across California.
- Active California Professional Engineer license in civil or geotechnical engineering preferred or required
- Bachelor's degree in civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering from an accredited program
- Experience with slope stability analysis, foundation design, and soil investigation methods
- Proficiency in geotechnical software such as GeoStudio, PLAXIS, or LPile
- Familiarity with Caltrans, CBC seismic standards, and California grading ordinances
- Strong field experience conducting borings, logging soils, and overseeing lab testing programs
Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a geotechnical engineer in California?
To practice as a geotechnical engineer in California, you need a Professional Engineer license issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. The path starts with an accredited bachelor's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, followed by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, completing qualifying experience under a licensed PE, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam in the geotechnical or civil discipline.
How much do geotechnical engineers make in California?
Geotechnical engineers in California earn a median of about $122,500 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,980 for the lowest 10% to over $175,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire geotechnical engineers in California?
Employers hiring geotechnical engineers in California right now include Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Terracon Consultants, and AECOM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's active infrastructure pipeline, including rail expansion, wildfire-related slope remediation, and coastal development, keeps large engineering consultancies and public agencies posting consistently throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most geotechnical engineer jobs?
San Diego, Oakland, and Sacramento have the most geotechnical engineer openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego generate volume through major transportation, port, and development projects, while San Francisco draws demand from seismic retrofit work, Bay Area transit expansion, and the dense concentration of engineering consultancies headquartered in the region.
Are there remote geotechnical engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they are rare. Geotechnical engineering is a predominantly field- and site-driven discipline, so most roles require physical presence for borings, soil sampling, and site assessments. About 30% of geotechnical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. The portions most suited to remote work are report writing, data analysis, and CAD modeling tasks, which some employers allow off-site on a partial basis.
How can I get hired as a geotechnical engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a staff or junior geotechnical engineer role at a mid-size California consulting firm, where you will log soils, assist with field investigations, and support senior engineers on report preparation. Firms like ENGEO, Kleinfelder, and Terracon regularly bring on new graduates for field-heavy associate roles in California. Sitting for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and gaining your Engineer-in-Training designation immediately after graduation gives you a concrete credential that moves your resume past screening filters ahead of candidates who have not yet started licensure.
Where can I find and apply to geotechnical engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to geotechnical engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across consulting firms, public agencies, and construction companies. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 64 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in California
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