OPT Geotechnical Engineer Jobs
Geotechnical Engineer roles involve soil analysis, site investigation, and foundation design work that typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under OPT, and STEM OPT extensions are widely available, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
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Get Access To All JobsTake Your Design Career to the Next Level
Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!
Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder’s Design team is looking for you! From bridge and structural engineering to civil, electrical, mechanical, and process engineering, Kleinfelder’s collaborative Design Services create synergy across multiple disciplines.
Step into Your New Role
Kleinfelder's is seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing San Jose, CA office! This role will be in-office and field work. Occasional work travel opportunities exist.
Our geotechnical engineering team works on challenging and interesting projects within a design center that includes bridge, structural, civil, and water resources engineers, environmental professionals, and laboratory and construction oversight personnel. We work on a large variety of both public and private infrastructure systems ranging from small to large-scale bridges, transit systems, roadways, water and storm water systems, tunnels, commercial structures, deep excavations, and more, all while managing complexities of dense urban sites or difficult mountainous terrain.
The successful candidate will be perform field geotechnical drilling, rock coring, geotechnical calculations and reporting, county permitting and drilling coordination.
Responsibilities include:
- Planning and oversight of field investigations
- Comprehension of local geologic conditions
- Engineering analyses including but not limited to slope stability, seismic analyses, retaining wall design, deep and shallow foundation design, pavement design, etc.
- Utilization of geotechnical engineering software (examples include Slope/W or SLIDE, SHAFT, LPILE, APILE, Settle3)
- Geotechnical Report and Proposal writing
- Construction observations such as pile installation, excavations, and earthworks
- Support senior engineers and project managers with project and proposal duties
- Conduct field explorations, construction observations, engineering analyses, and other technical support under direct supervision assisting senior operations and technical staff.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological engineering, or Master's degree
- 3 to 6 years of geotechnical related experience with a bachelor’s degree - 2 years of related geotechnical experience with a Master’s or
- Engineer-In-Training certification required with the drive and ability to obtain California PE in next few years
- Must have a positive work attitude and ability to work safely and efficiently when managing multiple tasks
- Ability to work independently or with a team in a multi-disciplinary environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required
- The successful candidate will have the ability and willingness to travel throughout southern California and safely perform field work, even under inclement weather and physically demanding conditions. Ability to travel outside of southern California for field assignments is a plus. Field assignments may range from days to weeks.
- Clean driving record and the ability to pass a drug test required
- Candidate must be willing to work in addition to a standard 40-hour work week when needed
Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.
Move Forward with Kleinfelder:
Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver.
Progress with an Employer that Values You
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity.
We are proud to offer the following:
Benefits:
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. California: The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary Range: $72,238 - $97,372.
Career Development:
We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.
Equal Opportunity:
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.
LI-SF1
Take Your Design Career to the Next Level
Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!
Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder’s Design team is looking for you! From bridge and structural engineering to civil, electrical, mechanical, and process engineering, Kleinfelder’s collaborative Design Services create synergy across multiple disciplines.
Step into Your New Role
Kleinfelder's is seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing San Jose, CA office! This role will be in-office and field work. Occasional work travel opportunities exist.
Our geotechnical engineering team works on challenging and interesting projects within a design center that includes bridge, structural, civil, and water resources engineers, environmental professionals, and laboratory and construction oversight personnel. We work on a large variety of both public and private infrastructure systems ranging from small to large-scale bridges, transit systems, roadways, water and storm water systems, tunnels, commercial structures, deep excavations, and more, all while managing complexities of dense urban sites or difficult mountainous terrain.
The successful candidate will be perform field geotechnical drilling, rock coring, geotechnical calculations and reporting, county permitting and drilling coordination.
Responsibilities include:
- Planning and oversight of field investigations
- Comprehension of local geologic conditions
- Engineering analyses including but not limited to slope stability, seismic analyses, retaining wall design, deep and shallow foundation design, pavement design, etc.
- Utilization of geotechnical engineering software (examples include Slope/W or SLIDE, SHAFT, LPILE, APILE, Settle3)
- Geotechnical Report and Proposal writing
- Construction observations such as pile installation, excavations, and earthworks
- Support senior engineers and project managers with project and proposal duties
- Conduct field explorations, construction observations, engineering analyses, and other technical support under direct supervision assisting senior operations and technical staff.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological engineering, or Master's degree
- 3 to 6 years of geotechnical related experience with a bachelor’s degree - 2 years of related geotechnical experience with a Master’s or
- Engineer-In-Training certification required with the drive and ability to obtain California PE in next few years
- Must have a positive work attitude and ability to work safely and efficiently when managing multiple tasks
- Ability to work independently or with a team in a multi-disciplinary environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required
- The successful candidate will have the ability and willingness to travel throughout southern California and safely perform field work, even under inclement weather and physically demanding conditions. Ability to travel outside of southern California for field assignments is a plus. Field assignments may range from days to weeks.
- Clean driving record and the ability to pass a drug test required
- Candidate must be willing to work in addition to a standard 40-hour work week when needed
Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.
Move Forward with Kleinfelder:
Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver.
Progress with an Employer that Values You
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity.
We are proud to offer the following:
Benefits:
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. California: The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary Range: $72,238 - $97,372.
Career Development:
We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.
Equal Opportunity:
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.
LI-SF1
See all 273+ OPT Geotechnical Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Geotechnical Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Geotechnical Engineer
Target firms with active infrastructure projects
Engineering consultancies working on federal highway, transit, or dam projects file LCAs regularly and are accustomed to sponsoring visas. These firms have established HR processes for work authorization, making them far more receptive to OPT candidates than smaller local firms.
Confirm your degree field matches the role
Geotechnical engineering positions typically require a degree in civil, geotechnical, or structural engineering. A degree in a loosely related field may complicate H-1B visa sponsorship later, so verify your degree field aligns before investing time in an application.
Pursue your EIT or FE certification early
The Engineer in Training credential signals commitment to professional licensure in the United States. Many geotechnical employers prioritize candidates working toward their PE license, and holding the FE strengthens both your application and your case for future visa sponsorship.
Emphasize field and lab experience on your resume
Employers value hands-on experience with soil borings, triaxial testing, and site characterization. Listing specific equipment, software like PLAXIS or gINT, and field investigation methods demonstrates technical depth that compensates for concerns about short OPT authorization timelines.
Ask about sponsorship policy before the final interview
Raise the sponsorship question after you have demonstrated value, ideally before a formal offer stage. Framing it as confirming next steps rather than asking a favor gives the employer context to evaluate feasibility without feeling pressured early in the process.
Apply to firms with prior H-1B filings in your specialty
Geotechnical and environmental engineering consultancies that have sponsored before understand the process and associated costs. Searching DOL disclosure data for firms filing LCAs under civil engineering job codes helps you identify employers who are genuinely open to sponsoring.
Geotechnical Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Geotechnical Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Geotechnical engineering falls under CIP code 14.0802, which is on the official STEM Designated Degree Program list. If your degree is in civil, geotechnical, or a closely related engineering discipline, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
Where can I find Geotechnical Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for candidates who need visa sponsorship, so you're not wading through postings from employers who won't consider OPT. Geotechnical roles at engineering consultancies, state DOT contractors, and environmental firms appear regularly. Browsing by role type on Migrate Mate saves significant time compared to unfiltered job searches.
Can I work for a government agency as a Geotechnical Engineer on OPT?
Federal government positions are generally closed to non-citizens, which rules out direct federal employment. However, state transportation departments and municipal engineering offices do hire OPT students in some cases. The most common path is through private engineering firms contracted to government agencies, where citizenship restrictions do not apply to the consulting staff.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my geotechnical employer goes through a project slowdown?
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your degree field, but it does not require continuous full-time employment. You have a 90-day unemployment buffer on standard OPT and 150 days on STEM OPT. If a project slowdown reduces your hours significantly, confirm with your DSO whether your situation still satisfies the employment reporting requirements before your next reporting deadline.
Does freelance or contract geotechnical consulting work count as valid OPT employment?
Yes, self-employment and contract work are permitted under OPT rules, provided the work is directly related to your geotechnical engineering degree. You must be able to demonstrate an actual working relationship, which means having a contract, invoices, or other documentation showing the scope of services. Your DSO will need details about the arrangement for your SEVIS reporting obligations.