Geotechnical Engineer

Role Overview

Kleinfelder, a Forbes Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer for our growing San Jose, CA office. This role will be in‑office and field‑based, with occasional travel.

The geotechnical engineering team works on a wide variety of projects across disciplines, including bridge, structural, civil, and water resources engineering. Projects range from small to large‑scale bridges, transit systems, roadways, water and storm‑water systems, tunnels, commercial structures, and deep excavations, often in dense urban sites or mountainous terrain.

• Plan and oversee field investigations.
• Comprehend local geologic conditions.
• Perform engineering analyses such as slope stability, seismic analysis, retaining wall design, deep and shallow foundation design, and pavement design.
• Utilize geotechnical engineering software (eg. Slope/W or SLIDE, SHAFT, LPILE, APILE, Settle3).
• Write geotechnical reports and proposals.
• Observe construction activities 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 of senior staff.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering, or Master’s degree.
• 3 to 6 years of geotechnical experience with a bachelor’s degree; 2 years of experience with a Master’s; or equivalent.
• Engineer‑In‑Training certification required, with the ability and drive to obtain a California PE within the next few years.
• Positive work attitude, safety focus, and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel throughout Southern California and occasionally beyond for field assignments that may range from days to weeks, including working in inclement weather and physically demanding conditions.
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a drug test.
• Willingness to work additional hours beyond a standard 40‑hour week when required.

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, and a comprehensive background check.

• Competitive salary range: $72,238 – $97,372 (based on qualifications and experience).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid holidays.

Kleinfelder and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with VEVRAA and Section 503).

Kleinfelder does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement. In the absence of such an agreement, we will not consider or pay for any referral compensation or recruiter fee.