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 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 272+ OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs.
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.