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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The position will support our dams and levees practice, with a focus on seismic evaluations of embankment dams for federal, state, and local clients. The successful candidate will lead and perform nonlinear deformation analysis studies, using advanced numerical modeling tools such as FLAC to evaluate dam performance under earthquake loading. Responsibilities will also include evaluating site-specific ground motions, including seismic analyses and mentoring junior staff while coordinating with project teams to deliver technically sound recommendations.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead and perform seismic evaluations of embankment dams and appurtenant structures for federal, state, and local clients, including USACE, DWR, DSOD, and hydropower owners.
- Conduct nonlinear deformation analyses using FLAC to evaluate embankment and foundation performance under earthquake loading, including liquefaction triggering and post-earthquake stability.
- Provide senior seismic review of analyses, calculations, and reports to ensure technical accuracy, defensible assumptions, and consistency with current industry practice and agency guidance.
- Serve as an Independent Technical Review (ITR) reviewer on USACE projects, preparing and resolving review comments in accordance with USACE review policy and documentation requirements.
- Participate as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on FERC Part 12D Independent Consultant safety inspections and reviews, addressing seismic hazard, dam performance, and potential failure modes.
- Train and mentor junior staff in FLAC modeling.
- Characterize liquefaction susceptibility and residual strength of foundation and embankment soils to support deformation and stability assessments.
- Contribute to potential failure mode analyses (PFMA) and semi-quantitative or quantitative risk assessments related to seismic hazards.
- Prepare and review technical memoranda, design reports, and presentations, and communicate findings and recommendations clearly to clients, regulators, and review panels.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field. (required)
- Advanced degree in Civil Engineering or related field. (required)
- Current Professional Engineer License (CA). (required)
- At least 15 years (20+ years preferred) related experience in a professional civil engineering setting, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the responsibilities of the position. (required)
- Advanced proficiency in FLAC2D and FLAC3D for dynamic nonlinear deformation analyses of embankment dams, including model development, constitutive model calibration, and interpretation of seismic response. (required)
- Demonstrated experience providing geoanalysis support to project teams, including seepage, slope stability, liquefaction, and post-earthquake stability evaluations, with the ability to translate complex results into practical recommendations. (required)
- Expertise in ground motion development for dam safety applications. (required)
- Proficiency in Python in conjunction with FLAC, processing ground motion records, post-processing FLAC results. (perfered)
- Strong communication skills to include the ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions, and the ability to interact effectively to maintain a team environment. (required)
- Ability to effectively present information to project team and clients. (required)
- Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing may be required.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)
This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below is the potential compensation range that we in good faith believe is applicable for this role at the time of this posting and is only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base pay range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.
- Minimum Pay: $150.00/hour / Maximum Pay: $190.00/hour (California)
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.
The position will support our dams and levees practice, with a focus on seismic evaluations of embankment dams for federal, state, and local clients. The successful candidate will lead and perform nonlinear deformation analysis studies, using advanced numerical modeling tools such as FLAC to evaluate dam performance under earthquake loading. Responsibilities will also include evaluating site-specific ground motions, including seismic analyses and mentoring junior staff while coordinating with project teams to deliver technically sound recommendations.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead and perform seismic evaluations of embankment dams and appurtenant structures for federal, state, and local clients, including USACE, DWR, DSOD, and hydropower owners.
- Conduct nonlinear deformation analyses using FLAC to evaluate embankment and foundation performance under earthquake loading, including liquefaction triggering and post-earthquake stability.
- Provide senior seismic review of analyses, calculations, and reports to ensure technical accuracy, defensible assumptions, and consistency with current industry practice and agency guidance.
- Serve as an Independent Technical Review (ITR) reviewer on USACE projects, preparing and resolving review comments in accordance with USACE review policy and documentation requirements.
- Participate as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on FERC Part 12D Independent Consultant safety inspections and reviews, addressing seismic hazard, dam performance, and potential failure modes.
- Train and mentor junior staff in FLAC modeling.
- Characterize liquefaction susceptibility and residual strength of foundation and embankment soils to support deformation and stability assessments.
- Contribute to potential failure mode analyses (PFMA) and semi-quantitative or quantitative risk assessments related to seismic hazards.
- Prepare and review technical memoranda, design reports, and presentations, and communicate findings and recommendations clearly to clients, regulators, and review panels.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field. (required)
- Advanced degree in Civil Engineering or related field. (required)
- Current Professional Engineer License (CA). (required)
- At least 15 years (20+ years preferred) related experience in a professional civil engineering setting, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the responsibilities of the position. (required)
- Advanced proficiency in FLAC2D and FLAC3D for dynamic nonlinear deformation analyses of embankment dams, including model development, constitutive model calibration, and interpretation of seismic response. (required)
- Demonstrated experience providing geoanalysis support to project teams, including seepage, slope stability, liquefaction, and post-earthquake stability evaluations, with the ability to translate complex results into practical recommendations. (required)
- Expertise in ground motion development for dam safety applications. (required)
- Proficiency in Python in conjunction with FLAC, processing ground motion records, post-processing FLAC results. (perfered)
- Strong communication skills to include the ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions, and the ability to interact effectively to maintain a team environment. (required)
- Ability to effectively present information to project team and clients. (required)
- Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing may be required.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)
This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below is the potential compensation range that we in good faith believe is applicable for this role at the time of this posting and is only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base pay range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.
- Minimum Pay: $150.00/hour / Maximum Pay: $190.00/hour (California)
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.
See All 85 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in California
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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
- Atlas Technical Consultants11
- Langan Engineering and Environmental Services9
- NV57
- SOCOTEC6
- Terracon Consultants5
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services15
- Energy1
- Law & Legal Services1
- Technology & Software1
- Construction & Real Estate1
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 Atlas Technical Consultants, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, and NV5, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, San Jose, and Oakland 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 50% of geotechnical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 85 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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