Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in South Carolina

Field Geotechnical Engineer or Geologist - Nuclear

Requisition #: 2026-2690-01

Are you looking to build a broad technical foundation early in your career, gaining exposure to different projects, teams, clients, and technical challenges across the organization? S&ME is looking for an early-career engineer or geologist who enjoys being out in the field and is ready to contribute to complex, high-profile projects in the nuclear sector. You'll apply your technical knowledge in demanding project environments where attention to detail, organization, adaptability, and quality matter, while learning alongside experienced professionals and expanding your skills across other markets throughout S&ME.

This individual has the flexibility to be in Knoxville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, Atlanta, Greenville-Spartanburg, and Columbus.

Build Your Career. Own Your Future.

At S&ME, you're more than just an employee; you're an employee-owner of a 100% employee-owned company that has been solving complex geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials testing challenges for over 50 years. We're invested in your success and offer a career path with growth opportunities, training, and hands-on experience. Join a team that values safety, integrity, and teamwork while offering industry-leading benefits designed to help you thrive - on and off the job, including but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• Pet Insurance
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a minimum 5% company contribution & automatic enrollment, no matter your role
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
• Paid Maternity & Parental Leave
• Mentorship & Career Development Programs
• Credential Incentive Program - get rewarded for advancing your skills
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program
• Company Vehicle & Fuel Card - for project-based roles
• $2,000 Employee Referral Bonuses - and more!

Your Role: Hands-On, Impactful, and Fast-Paced

As a Geotechnical Engineer or Geologist, you will support a wide range of civil, geotechnical, and environmental projects with a focus on nuclear project sites. Project types may include site selection and due diligence, field exploration, and/or construction quality assurance services supporting new nuclear facility permitting, licensing, and construction. Nuclear facilities generically include traditional light water reactors, small modular reactors, uranium enrichment facilities, and fuel fabrication facilities.

What You'll Do:

Field Investigations & Exploration

• Conduct fieldwork including soil borings, drilling oversight, monitoring well installation, and in-situ testing
• Perform soil and rock classification and oversee collection of soil, groundwater, and gas samples
• Lead and support subsurface exploration activities in complex and regulated environments, including nuclear project sites

Data Analysis & Technical Support

• Analyze subsurface conditions and interpret geological and geotechnical data
• Support laboratory testing programs and evaluate results for engineering and environmental applications
• Assist in developing engineering recommendations based on field and laboratory data

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare data tables, figures, and graphical presentations
• Compare findings to state and federal regulatory standards
• Develop clear, well-organized technical reports for client and regulatory review

Construction & Environmental Inspections

• Perform construction and environmental inspections
• Document site conditions and ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, and regulatory requirements
• Support quality assurance and field verification activities

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with drilling contractors, laboratories, vendors, and project teams
• Communicate effectively with internal staff, clients, and regulatory stakeholders
Contribute to project planning and execution through clear technical communication

What We're Looking For:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geology, or a related field
• 2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, geology, or consulting
  • Field subsurface exploration experience is required
  • Experience working on nuclear projects or highly regulated environments is a plus
• EIT, GIT, Professional Engineer (PE), or Professional Geologist (PG) is a plus

What to Expect - Schedule and Physical Conditions:

• Ability to travel and work a rotational schedule: 10 days on / 4 days off during field assignments (returning home between rotations)
• Significant fieldwork supporting subsurface exploration on nuclear project sites
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain
• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12+ hours)
Routinely lift and carry 40-50 lbs of equipment and samples

Why Join Us?

At S&ME, your career growth matters; you matter. You'll receive professional training, mentorship, and support to work on challenging projects and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. Every employee benefits from our employee-ownership program, no matter your role. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry.

Ready to Get Started? Apply today and take the first step toward an exciting future with S&ME!

Third Party Staffing Agency Policy:

No agency, recruiter, or search firm may submit candidate information to S&ME without a current written agreement and prior authorization from S&ME Talent Acquisition. Unsolicited submissions are deemed non-confidential and non-proprietary and will not create any contractual obligation, candidate ownership rights, referral rights, placement rights, or fee liability. S&ME expressly rejects any terms and conditions included with unsolicited submissions and reserves the unrestricted right to recruit, hire, or engage any candidate without compensation to the submitting party.

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.