Geotechnical Engineer

About the Role

Join one of the most diverse and innovative engineering design teams with multiple specialties within the transportation sector. The Port Authority’s airports, ports, ferries, tunnels, bridges, bus terminals, and rail transportation systems are important transportation links in the region. The Geotechnical Engineering unit within the Engineering/Architecture Design Division serves a unique role within the Port Authority by providing engineering planning and design services throughout the Agency with close coordination with external stakeholders, including Federal, State and local transportation and regulatory agencies.

This is a full‑time position with an expectation of being in the office at least four days per week. This position is located at 4 World Trade Center.

Reporting to a Senior Geotechnical Engineer or a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, the Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for performing Geotechnical engineering design and studies for the Agency's capital and operating projects.

• Designing deep and shallow foundations and retaining structures
• Performing slope stability and settlement analyses
• Developing preliminary conceptual design work and developing design alternatives and associated costs for future planning and funding of projects
• Preparing geotechnical contract drawings, technical specifications, preliminary and final construction cost estimates for the construction of transit guideway structures, terminal buildings, roadway bridges, marine structures, parking garages, and flood mitigation structures
• Ensuring that the geotechnical work is coordinated with other design disciplines and is in compliance with the department’s design guidelines
• Reviewing contract documents prepared by outside consultants to ensure that the consultant’s design conforms to the scope of work, codes, and design guidelines
• Using software such as PLAXIS, Pile Group, LPile, and GRLWeap for geotechnical design and analyses
• Using AutoCAD 3D-Civil software to prepare design drawings

• Possess a minimum of four (4) years of geotechnical design experience
• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university with a minimum of two undergraduate-level courses in Geotechnical Engineering
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Proficient in the use of software applications such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point

• Experience with varied foundation designs such as piling, drilled shafts, micropiles, spread footings, matt foundations, ground improvement, slope stability analyses, and construction over soft ground conditions
• Experience using geotechnical engineering software such as PLAXIS, Pile Group, LPile, and GRLWeap for geotechnical designs, and review designs using this software
• Possess Engineer In Training (EIT) certification
• Demonstrated and working knowledge of geotechnical codes and standards
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments with multiple disciplines
• Demonstrated experience in problem‑solving to effectively reach sound conclusions and recommendations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize as required

The application process varies by position but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

The expected compensation range for this role is:

Minimum: $93,340 Midpoint: $121,356 Maximum: $149,370

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in‑office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs.