OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs
Geotechnical engineering technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering. Most roles involve field and lab work that directly aligns with STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience to build your U.S. career.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high-quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for the most challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting and construction conditions.
We are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment and utilizing the most innovative science practices in all our work.
Responsibilities:
- Perform geotechnical engineering and geological analyses and calculations.
- Prepare and write engineering and other reports.
- Perform field explorations, collection of samples, geologic reconnaissance, and mapping.
- Perform with construction observation on job sites and prepare summary logs and other documentation.
- Perform geotechnical lab testing and communicate results.
- Interact and communicate with clients, vendors, and staff at all levels.
- Support marketing activities, including preparation of cost proposals.
- Follow Shannon & Wilson’s Quality Assurance policy.
- Follow and promote Shannon and Wilson’s Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
REQUIREMENTS
- BS in Civil Engineering required; and MS or PhD Degree in Geotechnical Engineering strongly preferred.
- 0 - 6 years of experience in Geotechnical Engineering.
- Have obtained or in process of receiving a Engineer-in-Training Certificate.
- On track to obtain Professional Engineering (PE) License.
- Work experience (and/or coursework) in one or more of the following areas: soil mechanics; rock mechanics; rock and soil slope stability; shallow and deep foundations; tunneling; microtunneling; seismic design; earthquake engineering; and retaining structures.
- Some knowledge or experience of field/construction observation in one or more of the following areas: logging geotechnical explorations, observation of pile driving operations, observations of earthwork activities, installation and recording of geotechnical instrumentation, field reconnaissance, and/or underground work.
- Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
- Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor.
- The ability to work independently with the appropriate level of or minimal supervision.
- The willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
- A valid driver license and insurable driving record.
- Basic computer skills: MS Word, Excel (required); MS Access (desirable).
- Critical thinking and analysis.
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds.
- Working in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain.
- The ability to travel (drive or fly) to field sites per project needs and job sites locally and out of state.
- The ability to get a pass for access to military facilities.
LEVEL PLACEMENT
Typically, depending on an applicant’s education, experience, overall abilities, alignment with the needs of the company and local office culture, and the current business needs, an Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineer typically would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Professional I, II, III, or IV level.
COMPENSATION:
- Professional I: $93,500 - $97,500
- Professional II: $95,500 - $101,500
- Professional III: $100,000 - $107,500
- Professional IV: $105,000 - $120,000
Shannon & Wilson is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards package that includes the following benefits:
- Employee stock ownership
- Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
- Pre-tax health and daycare FSA
- Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe-harbor contributions
- 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees (prorated for part-time employment) based on year’s of experience
- Paid Sick and Safe Leave accrues based on your state requirements
- 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
- Paid volunteer day
- Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
- Mentorship Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Free parking
Shannon & Wilson is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Shannon & Wilson participates in the E-Verify program.
Please note that non-solicited resumes from external recruitment agencies will not be considered as introductions to our business, unless a preapproved agreement is in place and the external recruitment agency has been engaged to work on this specific vacancy.
INTRODUCTION
Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high-quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for the most challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting and construction conditions.
We are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment and utilizing the most innovative science practices in all our work.
Responsibilities:
- Perform geotechnical engineering and geological analyses and calculations.
- Prepare and write engineering and other reports.
- Perform field explorations, collection of samples, geologic reconnaissance, and mapping.
- Perform with construction observation on job sites and prepare summary logs and other documentation.
- Perform geotechnical lab testing and communicate results.
- Interact and communicate with clients, vendors, and staff at all levels.
- Support marketing activities, including preparation of cost proposals.
- Follow Shannon & Wilson’s Quality Assurance policy.
- Follow and promote Shannon and Wilson’s Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
REQUIREMENTS
- BS in Civil Engineering required; and MS or PhD Degree in Geotechnical Engineering strongly preferred.
- 0 - 6 years of experience in Geotechnical Engineering.
- Have obtained or in process of receiving a Engineer-in-Training Certificate.
- On track to obtain Professional Engineering (PE) License.
- Work experience (and/or coursework) in one or more of the following areas: soil mechanics; rock mechanics; rock and soil slope stability; shallow and deep foundations; tunneling; microtunneling; seismic design; earthquake engineering; and retaining structures.
- Some knowledge or experience of field/construction observation in one or more of the following areas: logging geotechnical explorations, observation of pile driving operations, observations of earthwork activities, installation and recording of geotechnical instrumentation, field reconnaissance, and/or underground work.
- Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
- Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor.
- The ability to work independently with the appropriate level of or minimal supervision.
- The willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
- A valid driver license and insurable driving record.
- Basic computer skills: MS Word, Excel (required); MS Access (desirable).
- Critical thinking and analysis.
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds.
- Working in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain.
- The ability to travel (drive or fly) to field sites per project needs and job sites locally and out of state.
- The ability to get a pass for access to military facilities.
LEVEL PLACEMENT
Typically, depending on an applicant’s education, experience, overall abilities, alignment with the needs of the company and local office culture, and the current business needs, an Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineer typically would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Professional I, II, III, or IV level.
COMPENSATION:
- Professional I: $93,500 - $97,500
- Professional II: $95,500 - $101,500
- Professional III: $100,000 - $107,500
- Professional IV: $105,000 - $120,000
Shannon & Wilson is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards package that includes the following benefits:
- Employee stock ownership
- Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
- Pre-tax health and daycare FSA
- Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe-harbor contributions
- 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees (prorated for part-time employment) based on year’s of experience
- Paid Sick and Safe Leave accrues based on your state requirements
- 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
- Paid volunteer day
- Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
- Mentorship Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Free parking
Shannon & Wilson is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Shannon & Wilson participates in the E-Verify program.
Please note that non-solicited resumes from external recruitment agencies will not be considered as introductions to our business, unless a preapproved agreement is in place and the external recruitment agency has been engaged to work on this specific vacancy.
See all 258+ OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Geotechnical Engineering Technician
Target STEM-designated degree programs
Geotechnical technician roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in civil, environmental, or geological engineering. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work window.
Prioritize firms with established OPT hiring histories
Engineering consultancies and geotechnical testing firms that regularly hire entry-level technicians are most likely to understand OPT authorization. Look for employers who already have experience with EAD-based employment rather than those encountering it for the first time.
Clarify your authorization timeline upfront
Be ready to explain your OPT end date, STEM extension eligibility, and E-Verify requirements clearly. Many geotechnical firms are small to mid-size and may not have HR teams familiar with OPT, so a concise one-paragraph summary in your cover letter helps.
Emphasize field and lab skills that are hard to source locally
Highlight specific technical skills like soil classification, Atterberg limits testing, SPT logging, or geophysical survey experience. Concrete technical qualifications reduce employer hesitation around work authorization because you're demonstrating hard-to-replace expertise.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Many geotechnical roles require background checks and onboarding steps that take two to four weeks. Starting your job search at least 60 days before your OPT begins gives employers enough runway to complete hiring without worrying about your authorization gap.
Use your university's geotechnical lab connections
Faculty research partnerships with geotechnical firms and state DOT agencies are common pathways to OPT-eligible positions. Professors supervising field research or consulting projects often have direct relationships with hiring managers who are already comfortable with student work authorization.
Geotechnical Engineering Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do geotechnical engineering technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most geotechnical engineering technician roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in civil, environmental, geological, or geotechnical engineering and carries a qualifying CIP code. Your DSO at your university can confirm whether your specific program qualifies. The extension brings your total OPT period to 36 months, which significantly increases your value to employers considering longer-term hiring.
Do employers in this field understand OPT work authorization?
Familiarity varies significantly. Large geotechnical consulting firms like those supporting infrastructure or environmental remediation projects tend to have HR processes in place for OPT hires. Smaller regional firms often do not. When applying, briefly explaining your EAD, your authorized work period, and the STEM extension option in your cover letter reduces friction and prevents misunderstandings that can delay or kill an offer.
Where can I find geotechnical engineering technician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate saves time compared to manually screening general job boards where OPT eligibility is rarely disclosed upfront. You can browse geotechnical technician openings and see which employers are likely to support your authorization status.
Can I work as a geotechnical engineering technician on pre-completion OPT?
Yes, pre-completion OPT allows you to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during breaks. Geotechnical technician roles that involve field testing, lab analysis, or site investigation work can qualify as long as the position is directly related to your degree program. Your DSO must authorize pre-completion OPT before you begin, and the work must clearly tie to your field of study.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change employers in this field?
OPT is not tied to a single employer, so you can change geotechnical employers without reapplying for authorization, provided your new role remains directly related to your degree. You must report the change to your DSO within 10 days through your university's SEVIS reporting portal. If you're on STEM OPT, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and you'll need to file an updated Form I-983 training plan.