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 76+ Geotechnical Engineer jobs
GFT’s Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team
What you’ll be challenged to do:
This role offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate directly with civil and structural engineers and geologists to implement innovative geotechnical solutions through all phases of a project’s lifecycle. The role emphasizes a customer-focused approach and a commitment to delivering the highest quality results on every project
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Determining client requirements and developing suitable scopes of work, schedules, and budgets to achieve project objectives.
- Developing and managing subsurface investigation and laboratory testing programs, with occasional participation in field exploration activities.
- Logging soil borings and collecting field data.
- Observing geotechnical aspects of construction.
- Performing routine and complex data analysis and engineering calculations, including slope stability, seepage, liquefaction potential, foundation support, and lateral earth pressures.
- Preparing high-quality reports, drawings, and specifications to meet scope, schedule, cost, and regulatory requirements.
- Designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation systems.
- Collaborating with clients, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate designs and project solutions.
- Reviewing contractor drawings, evaluating the need for design changes, and providing appropriate geotechnical recommendations.
- Traveling up to 30% to GFT offices, client locations, or project sites, which may include overnight stays.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- 5-10 years of direct work experience in geotechnical engineering.
- Proven expertise in advanced geotechnical software applications, including, GeoStudio(Slope/W, SEEP/W), CLIQ, SETTLE3, gINT/Open Ground, APILE, LPILE, SHAFT and proficiency in numerical calculations using spreadsheets.
- Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, concepts, and practices applied to geotechnical engineering, including foundation systems, levees, dams, and waterfront structures.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
- Experience with MicroStation or AutoCAD.
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
:
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
Location: Roseville, CA; Oakland, CA
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
"California Applicants"
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
#LI-KV1
GFT’s Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team
What you’ll be challenged to do:
This role offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate directly with civil and structural engineers and geologists to implement innovative geotechnical solutions through all phases of a project’s lifecycle. The role emphasizes a customer-focused approach and a commitment to delivering the highest quality results on every project
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Determining client requirements and developing suitable scopes of work, schedules, and budgets to achieve project objectives.
- Developing and managing subsurface investigation and laboratory testing programs, with occasional participation in field exploration activities.
- Logging soil borings and collecting field data.
- Observing geotechnical aspects of construction.
- Performing routine and complex data analysis and engineering calculations, including slope stability, seepage, liquefaction potential, foundation support, and lateral earth pressures.
- Preparing high-quality reports, drawings, and specifications to meet scope, schedule, cost, and regulatory requirements.
- Designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation systems.
- Collaborating with clients, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate designs and project solutions.
- Reviewing contractor drawings, evaluating the need for design changes, and providing appropriate geotechnical recommendations.
- Traveling up to 30% to GFT offices, client locations, or project sites, which may include overnight stays.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- 5-10 years of direct work experience in geotechnical engineering.
- Proven expertise in advanced geotechnical software applications, including, GeoStudio(Slope/W, SEEP/W), CLIQ, SETTLE3, gINT/Open Ground, APILE, LPILE, SHAFT and proficiency in numerical calculations using spreadsheets.
- Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, concepts, and practices applied to geotechnical engineering, including foundation systems, levees, dams, and waterfront structures.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
- Experience with MicroStation or AutoCAD.
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
:
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
Location: Roseville, CA; Oakland, CA
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
"California Applicants"
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
#LI-KV1
See All 76 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
- Atlas Technical Consultants11
- Langan Engineering and Environmental Services6
- Terracon Consultants5
- AECOM4
- Exponent4
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services16
- Construction & Real Estate2
- Energy1
- 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 Atlas Technical Consultants, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, and Terracon Consultants, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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 Jose, San Diego, 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 40% of geotechnical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 76 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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