STEM OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs
Geotechnical engineering technician roles fall under STEM-designated CIP codes, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you on STEM OPT, and you'll need an I-983 training plan in place before your start date.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
RK&K is hiring a Geotechnical Engineer to join our Asheville Office. RK&K is a civil engineering firm offering qualified candidates the opportunity to partner with an industry leader while experiencing unparalleled growth and career development.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Geotechnical Engineer at RK&K you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines to prepare plans and reports related to a variety of geotechnical projects for a variety of clients in the transportation and municipal sectors; you will conduct and supervise field investigations and develop design computations; and prepare geotechnical recommendations, contract plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.
Essential Functions
- Assist in the development geotechnical portion of proposals and subsurface exploration programs
- Perform geotechnical analysis using approved software
- Aid in preparation of bridge, roadway, retaining wall foundation, and structure recommendations
- Assist in the preparation of Geotechnical Sheets
- Collaborate on innovative design concepts related to Geotechnical Engineering
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's in Civil Engineering
- Passion for client service and engineering
- Experience in Geotechnical Design and gINT
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MS or advanced degree in Civil Engineering preferred
- Two (2) + years of experience in geotechnical services
- Engineer Intern license
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
What We Offer
RK&K offers excellent potential for career advancement and professional growth. We also offer attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Paid time off
- Hybrid work (home and office)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
- Matching 401(k) plan
- Paid Holidays
- Much, much more!
Why RK& K?
As a full-service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award-winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes that are designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward.
Design your career at RK&K, Apply Today!
INTRODUCTION
RK&K is hiring a Geotechnical Engineer to join our Asheville Office. RK&K is a civil engineering firm offering qualified candidates the opportunity to partner with an industry leader while experiencing unparalleled growth and career development.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Geotechnical Engineer at RK&K you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines to prepare plans and reports related to a variety of geotechnical projects for a variety of clients in the transportation and municipal sectors; you will conduct and supervise field investigations and develop design computations; and prepare geotechnical recommendations, contract plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.
Essential Functions
- Assist in the development geotechnical portion of proposals and subsurface exploration programs
- Perform geotechnical analysis using approved software
- Aid in preparation of bridge, roadway, retaining wall foundation, and structure recommendations
- Assist in the preparation of Geotechnical Sheets
- Collaborate on innovative design concepts related to Geotechnical Engineering
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's in Civil Engineering
- Passion for client service and engineering
- Experience in Geotechnical Design and gINT
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MS or advanced degree in Civil Engineering preferred
- Two (2) + years of experience in geotechnical services
- Engineer Intern license
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
What We Offer
RK&K offers excellent potential for career advancement and professional growth. We also offer attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Paid time off
- Hybrid work (home and office)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
- Matching 401(k) plan
- Paid Holidays
- Much, much more!
Why RK& K?
As a full-service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award-winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes that are designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward.
Design your career at RK&K, Apply Today!
See all 236+ STEM OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Geotechnical Engineering Technician
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Check that your civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering degree maps to a STEM-designated CIP code on the USCIS STEM list. Degrees in soil mechanics, environmental geotechnics, or earth science typically qualify, but confirm with your DSO before applying.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask the hiring manager whether the company is currently enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Some geotechnical firms enroll only at the federal contract level, so verify the specific office or entity that will employ you.
Search STEM OPT roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter geotechnical engineering technician openings by E-Verify status, so you only see roles at employers already set up to hire STEM OPT students without delays at the offer stage.
Build your I-983 training plan before interviews
Draft a preliminary I-983 that maps geotechnical tasks, like soil testing, site investigation, and lab analysis, to your STEM degree's learning objectives. Employers in field services expect this to be ready quickly after an offer.
Target firms with active DOL LCA filings in geotechnical disciplines
Search the OFLC Wage Search for employers who have filed LCAs under geotechnical or civil engineering occupation codes. Prior filings signal that a firm understands work authorization requirements and has processes in place.
Negotiate your start date around STEM OPT timelines
USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Tell recruiters early so your start date aligns with your approved EAD rather than creating a gap in authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a geotechnical engineering technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as civil engineering, geological engineering, or earth sciences and maps to an eligible CIP code on the USCIS STEM list. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to your degree. Your DSO confirms eligibility before filing the STEM OPT extension with USCIS.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify to hire me on STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for all STEM OPT employers, not optional. The specific legal entity or office that employs you must be enrolled, not just the parent company. Ask for the E-Verify company ID number during the offer stage, and confirm it matches the hiring location. You can find E-Verify-enrolled employers on Migrate Mate.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a geotechnical engineering technician?
Your I-983 must describe the practical training activities, like subsurface investigation, soil classification, laboratory testing, and field data collection, and explain how each one connects to your STEM degree's learning goals. Both you and a company supervisor with authority to sign must complete the form. USCIS requires updates every 12 months or whenever your training goals or position changes.
What is cap-gap and how does it affect geotechnical technicians on STEM OPT?
Cap-gap automatically extends your STEM OPT work authorization if your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery. Your authorization continues through September 30 of that fiscal year. If your petition is denied or not selected, your authorization ends and you'll need to stop working or leave the country.
How do I know if a geotechnical firm is set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Look for firms that have filed Labor Condition Applications under geotechnical or civil engineering occupation codes, which you can research through the OFLC Wage Search. Active LCA filings indicate experience with work authorization requirements. You can also use the O*NET occupation profile for geotechnical engineering technicians to identify the SOC code employers use when filing, which helps you search more precisely.