Consulting STEM OPT Jobs in Iowa

Geotechnical Staff Engineer

Multiple Iowa Locations Available

Ames • Dubuque • Cedar Rapids • Cedar Falls • Bettendorf • Des Moines

Build a Strong Foundation for Your Engineering Career at Terracon

Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Staff Engineer to join our Iowa teams. This is an excellent opportunity for an early‑career engineer or recent graduate to gain hands‑on experience in geotechnical engineering while working under the mentorship of experienced Professional Engineers.

You’ll support a wide range of projects that shape communities—transportation infrastructure, public works, commercial and industrial developments, energy facilities, and more—while building technical expertise, field experience, and project management skills.

Position Overview

As a Geotechnical Staff Engineer, you will provide engineering and consulting services for a diverse array of clients and projects. Responsibilities include participation in field investigations, geotechnical analysis and calculations, development of engineering recommendations, construction observation, and preparation of technical reports. Assignments are designed to progressively develop your engineering judgment and professional skills.

Why Terracon?

• Multiple Iowa office locations offering flexibility and local project impact.
• Hands‑on geotechnical experience early in your career.
• Mentorship from experienced Professional Engineers.
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and market sectors.
• A collaborative environment that emphasizes safety, quality, and professional development.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities: What You’ll Do

• Participate in and support geotechnical field investigations, observations, inspections, and testing.
• Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.
• Assist with the design and development of plans and specifications.
• Review drawings and construction activities to ensure compliance with project plans and specifications.
• Prepare and contribute to engineering reports, proposals, and cost estimates for projects of varying complexity.
• Track project scope, schedules, and budgets; assist with recommending adjustments as needed.
• Evaluate laboratory and field data and contribute to design and construction recommendations.
• Research and help resolve geotechnical design and construction challenges.
• Communicate technical findings clearly to clients, project teams, and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Support projects across public works, transportation, commercial, communications, energy, and industrial sectors.

Safety & Quality Expectations

• Follow all safety rules, guidelines, and standards and participate in pre‑task planning.
• Promptly report safety concerns and support a strong safety culture.
• Prepare proposals and reports under the supervision of an Authorized Project Reviewer while adhering to Terracon’s quality standards.
• Maintain quality across all assignments while working closely with senior Professional Engineers to gain technical and project management experience.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus preferred).
• 0–3 years of relevant experience.
• Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) certification required.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history.
• Strong communication skills and a desire to learn and grow as a geotechnical professional.

Project & Client Engagement

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate detailed phases of moderately sized and moderately complex projects under Professional Engineer supervision.
• Interact directly with clients and project team members to help develop scopes of services and communicate project progress.
• Gain exposure to project management, client interaction, and consulting best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus preferred).
• 0–3 years of relevant experience.
• Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) certification required.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history.
• Strong communication skills and a desire to learn and grow as a geotechnical professional.

About us

Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.

About the Team

Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located. From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients’ challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.