Gournd Improvement Design Engineer

Ground Improvement Design Engineer

Location:

Houston, TX;
Atlanta, GA; and Charleston, SC

Job Type and Duration: 6-months On-Site, then Hybrid;
Pay range: $90,000 - $120,000

Overview:
Ground Improvement Design Engineer with 2–5 years of experience to support the growing portfolio of geotechnical construction projects across the U.S. This role is ideal for an engineer who wants to move beyond traditional consulting into a design-build environment, working on complex, high-impact projects and seeing designs carried through construction. We are especially interested in candidates with direct ground improvement or specialty geotechnical contracting experience, but we will also consider strong candidates from geotechnical consulting firms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform design and analysis for ground improvement systems and geotechnical structures
• Support estimating teams with technical input and optimized solutions during bid phase
• Develop construction-ready calculations and drawings
• Provide engineering support during construction, including troubleshooting field conditions
• Participate in load test programs (design, execution, interpretation)
• Work closely with estimating, operations, CAD, and project management teams from proposal through construction.
• Contribute to development of design tools, automation, and efficiency improvements

Typical project scopes include ground improvement, deep foundations, earth retention, slope stabilization, and underpinning.

Required / Desired

Qualifications:

• 2–5 years experience in geotechnical or ground improvement engineering
• Degree in Civil Engineering (Master's preferred, Bachelor's acceptable)
• FE required. PE license or ability to obtain within 1 to 2 years preferred.
• Strong understanding of:
  Geotechnical engineering fundamentals, Soil Mechanics, Foundation design and settlement behavior
• Experience with design tools such as Settle 3, Geo Studio, PLAXIS, Mathcad (or similar)
• Strong proficiency with Excel and engineering software. Experience with Python, VBA, automation tools, or AI-assisted workflows is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, design-build environment

Logistics & Expectations:

• In-office requirement:
  Full-time for the first 6 month and then hybrid option will be available
• Training:
  Initial 3–4 weeks of travel (home on weekends; all travel covered)
• Career path:
  Opportunity to quickly develop technical expertise, work on nationally significant projects, and grow into technical leadership or engineering management roles

ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401k after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law.

If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.