Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Virginia draw consistent demand across transportation infrastructure, federal defense contracting, and commercial development, with openings at every level from entry-level field technician support roles through senior project engineers and principals. The largest concentrations of hiring are in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads metro, where firms like AECOM, Terracon, and Dewberry maintain established Virginia offices and take on large public and private projects. Slope stability analysis, geotechnical instrumentation, and foundation design for transportation and federal facilities are the specialties in highest demand. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Geotechnical Engineer
- (194857)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
The primary duties of the Geotechnical Engineer are development and completion of geotechnical field and laboratory investigations, preparation of proposals and reporting documents, and completion and coordination of technical analyses for design. A good candidate will be familiar with geotechnical investigations, laboratory testing, and design activities for transportation projects including bridges, fill embankments, cut slopes, subgrades, pavements, retaining walls, and ground improvement. Involved in communication with both internal and external clients. Must be comfortable with design and project team coordination to confirm implementation of geotechnical recommendations into project documents.
A Geotechnical Engineer’s traits include organizing, coordinating, and executing field exploration efforts, geotechnical analyses, and development of geotechnical reporting documents. Expected to make decisions and recommendations that impact project direction and activities, with guidance and direction from senior geotechnical engineers. Typically requires four or more years of progressive experience. This individual is required to exhibit excellent communication skills, work collaboratively with team members and clients, and demonstrate ability to manage tasks simultaneously. This individual must possess a Virginia Professional Engineering license (or ability to get it within six months of employment) and have functional experience with geotechnical analyses. Will be responsible for working directly with the senior geotechnical engineering staff and other team members to complete assigned work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) from an accredited 4-year engineering program
- Master's degree in civil engineering with Geotechnical emphasis
- Proficient with geotechnical software including gINT, Slope/W, APILE, LPILE, Settle3D, as well as the ability to develop and execute designs using spreadsheets
- Project management experience
- 4+ years of geotechnical consulting experience
- Experience with developing and executing subsurface exploration and laboratory testing programs for soils and rock
- Independently complete proposal preparation and develop geotechnical data/engineering reports
- Independently complete and/or coordinate efforts for subsurface characterization, development of geotechnical design parameters, slope stability and settlement analysis, and design of shallow foundations, deep foundations, retaining walls, and pavements
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
- Preference given to candidates currently residing in the Mid-Atlantic Area (VA/MD/DC)
#LI-MJ1
- Bachelor's degree
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Previous experience with Microsoft Office applications, MicroStation or other software as appropriate
- Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage and deep foundation response software, as appropriate
- Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog) An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Fulton, MD: $84,084 - $120,120. Glen Allen, VA: $76,440 - $109,200. Vienna, VA: $91,728 - $131,040. Virginia Beach, VA: $76,440 - $109,200.
United States-Virginia-Glen Allen
United States-Virginia-Vienna, United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach, United States-Maryland-Fulton
Highway + Road
Full-time
Regular
Geotechnical
Aug 7, 2026
See All 24 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Geotechnical Engineer JobsGeotechnical Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Geotechnical Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in geotechnical engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Active Virginia Professional Engineer license or eligibility for reciprocal licensure required
- Bachelor's degree in civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering from an accredited program
- Experience with geotechnical investigation, sampling, and laboratory testing methods
- Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or SLOPE/W
- Familiarity with VDOT specifications and Virginia Department of Transportation project requirements
- Strong technical report writing and client communication skills for project deliverables
Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a geotechnical engineer in Virginia?
You become a licensed geotechnical engineer in Virginia by earning an ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gaining four years of progressive engineering experience, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam in geotechnical engineering. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues the Professional Engineer license. Many Virginia employers also expect familiarity with VDOT standards and federal agency project requirements.
How much do geotechnical engineers make in Virginia?
Geotechnical engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $97,120 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,000 for the lowest 10% to over $150,710 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire geotechnical engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring geotechnical engineers in Virginia right now include ECS Limited, Schnabel Engineering, and Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's federal contracting base and active VDOT program mean that both large national engineering firms and regional specialty geotechnical consultants maintain steady hiring pipelines across the state.
Which Virginia cities have the most geotechnical engineer jobs?
Blacksburg, Virginia Beach, and Reston have the most geotechnical engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and large infrastructure programs drives the heaviest demand there, while Richmond's ongoing transportation and commercial development projects and Hampton Roads' port, military, and coastal infrastructure work sustain consistent hiring across those metros.
Are there remote geotechnical engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Geotechnical engineering is fundamentally field- and site-driven, so most roles require physical presence for investigations, drilling oversight, and construction monitoring. About 23% of geotechnical engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be senior roles focused on report writing, data analysis, and project management rather than field work.
How can I get hired as a geotechnical engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a geotechnical engineer intern or staff engineer I role at one of the large Virginia-based engineering consultancies, which regularly hire new graduates for field investigation and lab testing support. Firms like AECOM, Terracon, and Dewberry run structured new-graduate programs in their Virginia offices. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before or shortly after graduation and gaining any field sampling or Proctor testing experience through coursework or internships gives candidates a clear edge over peers without it.
Where can I find and apply to geotechnical engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to geotechnical engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings from employers actively hiring now. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to each one.
See All 24 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Geotechnical Engineer Jobs