Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Geotechnical engineers are in high demand across major infrastructure projects, mining operations, and construction firms throughout the United States. The role qualifies for H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visa sponsorship since it requires specialized engineering knowledge and a bachelor's degree in geotechnical, civil, or geological engineering. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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 Diego, CA office! This role will be hybrid with remote, in-office, and occasional field work opportunities.
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 ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Geotechnical, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical Focus, an EIT certification, and 2 years of experience. A candidate with a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering, an EIT and 3 to 6 years of experience will also be considered.
The successful candidate will conduct field explorations, construction observations, engineering analyses, and other technical support under direct supervision assisting senior operations and technical staff.
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 - Master’s degree in Geotechnical, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical Focus strongly preferred
- 2 years of related geotechnical experience with a Master’s or 3 to 6 years of geotechnical related experience with a bachelor’s degree will be considered
- Engineer-In-Training certification 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.

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 Diego, CA office! This role will be hybrid with remote, in-office, and occasional field work opportunities.
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 ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Geotechnical, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical Focus, an EIT certification, and 2 years of experience. A candidate with a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering, an EIT and 3 to 6 years of experience will also be considered.
The successful candidate will conduct field explorations, construction observations, engineering analyses, and other technical support under direct supervision assisting senior operations and technical staff.
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 - Master’s degree in Geotechnical, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical Focus strongly preferred
- 2 years of related geotechnical experience with a Master’s or 3 to 6 years of geotechnical related experience with a bachelor’s degree will be considered
- Engineer-In-Training certification 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.
See all 810+ Geotechnical Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Geotechnical Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Geotechnical Engineer
Target infrastructure and energy companies
Major construction firms, utilities, and energy companies regularly sponsor geotechnical engineers for large-scale projects. They understand the specialized nature of soil mechanics and foundation design work.
Emphasize specialized software skills
Highlight proficiency in PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or FLAC in applications. These specialized modeling programs demonstrate the technical expertise that justifies visa sponsorship for geotechnical engineering roles.
Consider mining and oil companies
Mining corporations and petroleum companies often sponsor geotechnical engineers for slope stability analysis and ground engineering. These industries value specialized subsurface expertise and sponsor internationally.
Network through professional engineering societies
Join ASCE's Geo-Institute and attend conferences. Many sponsoring employers recruit through professional engineering networks where they can verify technical credentials and specialization in geotechnical work.
Highlight field investigation experience
Document experience with soil sampling, SPT testing, and site characterization. Field investigation skills combined with laboratory analysis experience demonstrate the hands-on expertise employers need.
Focus on seismic and earthquake engineering
California and Pacific Northwest companies especially value earthquake engineering expertise. Seismic design knowledge and liquefaction analysis skills make geotechnical engineers highly sponsorable in seismically active regions.
Geotechnical Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Geotechnical Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PE license for H-1B visa sponsorship as a geotechnical engineer?
No, a PE license isn't required for H-1B sponsorship, though it helps. The visa requires a bachelor's degree in engineering and the role must involve specialized engineering work. Many sponsored geotechnical engineers work toward PE licensure after arrival in the U.S.
Will a civil engineering degree qualify for geotechnical engineering H-1B positions?
Yes, civil engineering degrees typically qualify since geotechnical engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering. Employers may ask for coursework in soil mechanics, foundation design, or geology to demonstrate the connection between your degree and the specialized role.
How to find Geotechnical Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Geotechnical Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus on mining companies, construction firms, and engineering consultancies that frequently sponsor H-1B, EB-2, or skilled worker visas for geotechnical roles. These employers typically need specialized expertise in soil mechanics, foundation design, and geological analysis that international engineers provide.
Which industries sponsor the most geotechnical engineers for work visas?
Construction and engineering consulting firms lead sponsorship, followed by mining companies, utilities, and oil and gas corporations. Infrastructure projects, dam construction, and slope stability work create consistent demand for sponsored geotechnical engineers across these sectors.
How do earthquake engineering skills affect visa sponsorship chances?
Seismic engineering expertise significantly improves sponsorship prospects, especially in California, Oregon, and Washington. Companies in earthquake-prone regions actively sponsor geotechnical engineers with liquefaction analysis and seismic design experience since this specialized knowledge is critical for local projects.
Can mining geotechnical engineers get TN visa sponsorship?
Yes, if you're Canadian or Mexican. Mining geotechnical work qualifies under the TN 'Engineer' category. You'll need to demonstrate that the role requires geotechnical engineering expertise for mine design, slope stability, or tailings management rather than general mining work.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Geotechnical Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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