Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Washington
Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Washington are consistently active, with demand concentrated in infrastructure, transportation, and commercial development across entry-level through senior roles. Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma anchor most of the hiring, where firms like KPFF Consulting Engineers, Shannon and Wilson, and WSP USA maintain long-standing Washington operations. The most in-demand specialties are slope stability analysis, subsurface investigation, and seismic hazard assessment, reflecting the state's complex glacial soils and earthquake-prone terrain. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Geotechnical Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 34+ Geotechnical Engineer jobs
As a company, we aim to build a world where communities go beyond resilience, embracing change as an opportunity to enhance safety, well-being, and quality of life. Join us to accelerate this vision and your professional development.
We are looking to add new talent to our growing team! We are currently seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer 2 to work in a technical support role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing group and company and get involved in a variety of projects for a diverse range of clients. This is a full-time position located in our Seattle, WA office.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, you will:
- Independently conduct field investigations and assessments of soil, groundwater, surface water, etc., using approved industry standard procedures.
- Conduct basic construction observation, including quality control documentation and field testing tasks.
- Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed documentation of activities both in the field and during data evaluation.
- Apply academic training and use computer software to perform calculations and evaluation of information.
- Perform geotechnical evaluations, summarize information, and use AutoCAD and Civil 3D on projects.
- Draft technical sections of project communications and reports.
- Assist with the development of technical scopes of work and cost estimating for proposal efforts on small- to medium-sized tasks or project opportunities.
- Perform all work in accordance with company and client health and safety protocols.
- Demonstrate the company’s foundational safety behaviors.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Minimum Skills and Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, or related field.
- Engineer in Training License
- Ability to obtain PE license in 3-4 years.
- Proficient technical writing, verbal communication, reasoning, and time management skills.
- Able to work independently or with minimal direction in performing tasks and assignments under the direction of senior staff.
- Desire to learn and grow in your profession, demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, resourcefulness, flexibility, and ownership.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or relevant geotechnical analysis software.
- Able to meet the physical requirements of the position: lift 50 lbs., traverse unstable/sloping sites and landscapes, work outside in a range of weather conditions, and have the stamina for moderate physical activity for the majority of field working hours.
- Current driver’s license
- Able to travel to work locations that may require overnight stays.
Preferred Skills:
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER training.
- Experience on construction sites and field explorations
- Ability to travel to temporary assignments across the US and the Pacific Islands region.
- Specialized software applications relevant to geotechnical engineering.
- Revit skills a plus.
The salary range for this position in Seattle, WA is $85,000 - $95,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based upon a variety of factors such as education, related work experience, certificates, skills, and current market conditions. Haley & Aldrich reviews salary ranges each quarter to assess competitiveness with the market.
As a company, we aim to build a world where communities go beyond resilience, embracing change as an opportunity to enhance safety, well-being, and quality of life. Join us to accelerate this vision and your professional development.
We are looking to add new talent to our growing team! We are currently seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer 2 to work in a technical support role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing group and company and get involved in a variety of projects for a diverse range of clients. This is a full-time position located in our Seattle, WA office.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, you will:
- Independently conduct field investigations and assessments of soil, groundwater, surface water, etc., using approved industry standard procedures.
- Conduct basic construction observation, including quality control documentation and field testing tasks.
- Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed documentation of activities both in the field and during data evaluation.
- Apply academic training and use computer software to perform calculations and evaluation of information.
- Perform geotechnical evaluations, summarize information, and use AutoCAD and Civil 3D on projects.
- Draft technical sections of project communications and reports.
- Assist with the development of technical scopes of work and cost estimating for proposal efforts on small- to medium-sized tasks or project opportunities.
- Perform all work in accordance with company and client health and safety protocols.
- Demonstrate the company’s foundational safety behaviors.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Minimum Skills and Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, or related field.
- Engineer in Training License
- Ability to obtain PE license in 3-4 years.
- Proficient technical writing, verbal communication, reasoning, and time management skills.
- Able to work independently or with minimal direction in performing tasks and assignments under the direction of senior staff.
- Desire to learn and grow in your profession, demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, resourcefulness, flexibility, and ownership.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or relevant geotechnical analysis software.
- Able to meet the physical requirements of the position: lift 50 lbs., traverse unstable/sloping sites and landscapes, work outside in a range of weather conditions, and have the stamina for moderate physical activity for the majority of field working hours.
- Current driver’s license
- Able to travel to work locations that may require overnight stays.
Preferred Skills:
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER training.
- Experience on construction sites and field explorations
- Ability to travel to temporary assignments across the US and the Pacific Islands region.
- Specialized software applications relevant to geotechnical engineering.
- Revit skills a plus.
The salary range for this position in Seattle, WA is $85,000 - $95,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based upon a variety of factors such as education, related work experience, certificates, skills, and current market conditions. Haley & Aldrich reviews salary ranges each quarter to assess competitiveness with the market.
See All 34 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Geotechnical Engineer JobsGeotechnical Engineer Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Geotechnical Engineer Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services13
- Construction & Real Estate3
- Technology & Software2
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in geotechnical engineer jobs across Washington.
- Active Washington state Professional Engineer license or eligibility to obtain one
- Bachelor's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency with geotechnical software such as SLOPE/W, PLAXIS, or gINT
- Experience conducting subsurface investigations, boring logs, and laboratory soil testing
- Familiarity with WSDOT geotechnical design guidelines and Washington seismic standards
- Strong technical report writing and client communication skills
Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a geotechnical engineer in Washington?
Becoming a geotechnical engineer in Washington requires a bachelor's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering followed by licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, complete four years of qualifying experience, and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Many Washington employers expect the PE license or active pursuit of it for roles beyond entry level.
How much do geotechnical engineers make in Washington?
Geotechnical engineers in Washington earn a median of about $110,000 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,840 for the lowest 10% to over $160,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire geotechnical engineers in Washington?
Employers hiring geotechnical engineers in Washington right now include GeoEngineers, Exponent, and ROI AGENCY, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Washington's active infrastructure pipeline and seismic retrofit programs keep a broad range of engineering consulting firms and public agencies posting throughout the year.
Which Washington cities have the most geotechnical engineer jobs?
Seattle, Bellevue, and Spokane have the most geotechnical engineer openings in Washington. Seattle and Bellevue drive the largest share of listings through major transportation and commercial development projects, while Tacoma's port expansion and industrial corridor keep steady demand for site investigation and foundation engineering in the south Sound region.
Are there remote geotechnical engineer jobs in Washington?
Yes, but they're rare. Geotechnical engineering is fundamentally a field-and-lab discipline, so most roles require on-site investigation, drilling oversight, or laboratory work that cannot be done remotely. About 56% of geotechnical engineer openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve report writing, data analysis, or project management rather than direct field work.
How can I get hired as a geotechnical engineer in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an EIT-designated role or staff geotechnical engineer position at a Washington consulting firm, where you work under a licensed PE toward your own licensure. Firms like Shannon and Wilson and KPFF regularly hire new graduates for field technician and junior engineer roles involving soil sampling, boring log review, and report support. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before you apply and building a portfolio of subsurface investigation coursework or senior thesis projects gives candidates a clear edge over those who wait.
Where can I find and apply to geotechnical engineer jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to geotechnical engineer jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 34 Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Geotechnical Engineer Jobs