Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
Geotechnical Engineer jobs in South Carolina are steadily active, with demand concentrated in highway and bridge infrastructure, coastal development, and commercial construction across a state investing heavily in civil projects. Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville anchor most of the hiring, where firms like AECOM, Terracon, and S&ME have long-standing operations. Slope stability analysis, foundation design, and environmental site assessment are the specialties most consistently requested. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.
Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.
Benefit options include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
- Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
- Long-term disability
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- Bonus program
- Paid time off
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Wellness program
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
Job Description:
Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Columbia, SC office of Schnabel Engineering is seeking an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing practice. We are looking for a motivated candidate with an interest in developing both field and analytical skills, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong team.
Job Responsibilities:
- Observe geotechnical-related construction and perform materials testing
- Prepare field reports
- Review construction observation and materials testing reports
- Plan and coordinate geotechnical and materials testing field work
- Use GIS and GPS to aid in planning and executing geotechnical field work
- Log test borings
- Oversight of subcontractors including drillers, and traffic control
- Assign and review soil laboratory tests
- Create basic plans and figures using AutoCAD and GIS
- Perform calculations to support geotechnical analysis
- Provide support on preparation of geotechnical reports and proposals
Required Skills/Experience:
- 0-2 years of professional experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Positive attitude
- Ability to multi-task
- Strong work ethic and a desire for continual self-improvement
- Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel, including assignments that may last several weeks away from the office
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders and work outside
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Prior internship or professional work in a related field (i.e. geotechnical engineering, construction, civil engineering, etc.)
- EIT certification
Other Requirements:
- Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license as driving is an essential function of the job
- Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
The compensation range for this position is between $62,400 to $86,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 14 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
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Find Geotechnical Engineer JobsGeotechnical Engineer Jobs by City in South Carolina
Where South Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Geotechnical Engineer Job Market in South Carolina
A snapshot from current South Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What South Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in geotechnical engineer jobs across South Carolina.
- Active South Carolina Professional Engineer license or eligibility for licensure through NCEES
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, or a closely related field
- Experience conducting subsurface investigations, soil borings, and laboratory testing programs
- Proficiency with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, gINT, or GEOPAK
- Ability to prepare and review geotechnical reports and foundation design recommendations
- Familiarity with SCDOT specifications and AASHTO standards for transportation projects
Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a geotechnical engineer in South Carolina?
You become a licensed geotechnical engineer in South Carolina by earning a bachelor's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam, accumulating qualifying experience under a licensed Professional Engineer, and then passing the PE exam. Licensure is issued by the South Carolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Most employers require or strongly prefer candidates who already hold or are close to obtaining their PE.
How much do geotechnical engineers make in South Carolina?
Geotechnical engineers in South Carolina earn a median of about $101,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $67,950 for the lowest 10% to over $156,380 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire geotechnical engineers in South Carolina?
South Carolina geotechnical engineer roles are posted by S&ME, GHD, and ECS Limited and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. South Carolina's active transportation corridor expansion, port development around Charleston, and commercial growth in the Midlands keep a broad range of engineering consultancies and public agencies posting consistently throughout the year.
Which South Carolina cities have the most geotechnical engineer jobs?
Greenville, Columbia, and Spartanburg are the South Carolina cities with the most geotechnical engineer openings. Columbia draws hiring through SCDOT projects and state agency contracts, Charleston sees high demand tied to port infrastructure and coastal construction, and Greenville benefits from manufacturing facility development and Upstate highway expansion that require ongoing geotechnical support.
Are there remote geotechnical engineer jobs in South Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. Geotechnical engineering is heavily field-oriented, requiring site visits, drilling oversight, and in-person testing that cannot be done remotely. About 67% of geotechnical engineer openings tied to South Carolina are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve report writing, data analysis, or project management tasks rather than direct field work.
How can I get hired as a geotechnical engineer in South Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a staff or junior geotechnical engineer role at a consulting firm, where you work under a licensed PE on field investigations and lab testing. Firms like Terracon and S&ME, which have South Carolina offices, routinely bring on new graduates. Completing your EIT after passing the FE exam signals readiness to employers. Relevant internship experience with an SCDOT contractor or a civil engineering firm in the Upstate or Lowcountry regions adds meaningful context to an entry-level application.
Where can I find and apply to geotechnical engineer jobs in South Carolina?
You can find and apply to geotechnical engineer jobs in South Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the state. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 14 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
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