Geotechnical Engineer

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Staff Project Geotechnical Engineer to join our Dams & Hydraulics team in California. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in Roseville or Oakland, CA.

Our specialists have the in-depth knowledge to excel on the most challenging geotechnical assignments. We provide innovative solutions for foundations; underground construction; earth structures, including dams and levees; groundwater resources; and marginal building sites. Our geotechnical engineers and geologists specialize in landslides, sinkholes, mine subsidence, seepage, expansive soils, and seismic activity. We have completed more than 1,000 subsurface and geophysical projects across the U.S. – from small‑scale projects to large, complex dams, highways, bridges, and underground structures.

• Determining client requirements and developing suitable scopes of work, schedules, and budgets to achieve project objectives.
• Developing and managing subsurface investigation and laboratory testing programs, with occasional participation in field exploration activities.
• Logging soil borings and collecting field data.
• Observing geotechnical aspects of construction.
• Performing routine and complex data analysis and engineering calculations, including slope stability, seepage, liquefaction potential, foundation support, and lateral earth pressures.
• Preparing high‑quality reports, drawings, and specifications to meet scope, schedule, cost, and regulatory requirements.
• Designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation systems.
• Collaborating with clients, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate designs and project solutions.
• Reviewing contractor drawings, evaluating the need for design changes, and providing appropriate geotechnical recommendations.
• Traveling up to 30% to GFT offices, client locations, or project sites, which may include overnight stays.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 5-10 years of direct work experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Proven expertise in advanced geotechnical software applications, including Geo Studio (Slope/W, SEEP/W), CLIQ, SETTLE3, gINT/Open Ground, APILE, LPILE, SHAFT and proficiency in numerical calculations using spreadsheets.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, concepts, and practices applied to geotechnical engineering, including foundation systems, levees, dams, and waterfront structures.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Experience with Micro Station or AutoCAD.

The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $115,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch.

Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GF…