Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 750+ employees in 30+ 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! The Newport News, VA office is seeking a mid-level Geotechnical Engineer to support our growing business. Qualified candidates will be well-rounded, organized problem solvers with excellent communication skills and an interest in solving technical challenges. The qualified candidate should possess detailed knowledge of geotechnical theory and have experience with report writing and client interaction. The successful candidate for this position will gain practical knowledge and experience while solving real-world engineering problems under the supervisions and mentoring of senior engineering personnel.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop geotechnical engineering scope of services and fee estimates
• Planning and oversight of geotechnical investigations
• Manage geotechnical and construction phase observation and testing field work performed by others
• Assign, review and interpret geotechnical laboratory tests
• Create basic plans and figures using AutoCAD and GIS
• Perform geotechnical engineering analysis and calculations
• Develop geotechnical engineering recommendations and write geotechnical engineering reports
• Perform project management activities including communicating resource needs, managing client expectations, planning and delegating work, management of project budgets, invoicing and backlog reporting
• Manage client relationships and business development opportunities
• Manage and mentor junior engineers, commensurate with experience level
• Work as a team member within the geotechnical engineering department and across other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources
• Occasionally perform field work such as logging test borings, construction observation and on-site client consultation

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, Master’s degree preferred
• Professional Engineering registration in Virginia or ability to obtain registration within 6 months of hire
• 5+ years of professional experience in consulting geotechnical engineering
• Proficiency with standard geotechnical engineering analysis software such as LPILE, APILE and SHAFT, GeoStudio, Settle3D and FoSSA, or similar programs.
• AutoCAD and GIS skills suitable for developing geotechnical deliverables
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Positive attitude
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong work ethic and a desire for continual self-improvement
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment
• Confidence and independence, with a shared sense of responsibility
• Effective time management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders and work outside
• Ability to perform field work and travel as needed

Desired Skills/Experience:

• Demonstrated experience with geotechnical engineering for transportation projects, including design-build, and/or power and energy projects
• Managerial/mentoring experience
• Experience with Deltek Vantage Point software
• Experience with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint software

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check
• Ability to pass a pre-employment screening

The compensation range for this position is between $85,000 to $135,000. 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.