Geotechnical Engineer

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story.

We believe transportation is more than movement—it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports, and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities, and quality of life.

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants, and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks.

About the role

The primary duties of the Geotechnical Engineer are development and completion of geotechnical field and laboratory investigations, preparation of proposals and reporting documents, and completion and coordination of technical analyses for design. A good candidate will be familiar with geotechnical investigations, laboratory testing, and design activities for transportation projects including bridges, fill embankments, cut slopes, subgrades, pavements, retaining walls, and ground improvement. Involved in communication with both internal and external clients. Must be comfortable with design and project team coordination to confirm implementation of geotechnical recommendations into project documents.

A Geotechnical Engineer’s traits include organizing, coordinating, and executing field exploration efforts, geotechnical analyses, and development of geotechnical reporting documents. Expected to make decisions and recommendations that impact project direction and activities, with guidance and direction from senior geotechnical engineers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and complete geotechnical field and laboratory investigations.
• Prepare proposals and reporting documents.
• Complete and coordinate technical analyses for design.
• Organize, coordinate, and execute field exploration efforts and geotechnical analyses.
• Develop geotechnical reporting documents.
• Communicate with internal and external clients.
• Coordinate with design and project teams to implement geotechnical recommendations.
• Make decisions and recommendations impacting project direction with guidance from senior engineers.
• Work directly with senior geotechnical engineering staff and other team members to complete assigned work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE) from an accredited 4-year engineering program.
• Virginia Professional Engineering license (or ability to obtain it within six months of employment).
• Four or more years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience with geotechnical analyses and functional experience with geotechnical software including gINT, Slope/W, APILE, LPILE, Settle3D, and spreadsheets.
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage, and deep foundation response software.
• Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with team members and clients.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical emphasis.
• Project management experience.
• 4+ years of geotechnical consulting experience.
• Experience developing and executing subsurface exploration and laboratory testing programs for soils and rock.
• Ability to independently complete proposal preparation and develop geotechnical data/engineering reports.
• Experience with subsurface characterization, development of geotechnical design parameters, slope stability and settlement analysis, and design of shallow foundations, deep foundations, retaining walls, and pavements.
• Preference given to candidates currently residing in the Mid-Atlantic Area (VA/MD/DC).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, performance, and success.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short and long-term disability, life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid time away, parental leave, and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
• Eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) with executive sponsorship.

Pay

• Fulton, MD: $84,084 - $120,120
• Glen Allen, VA: $76,440 - $109,200
• Vienna, VA: $91,728 - $131,040
• Virginia Beach, VA: $76,440 - $109,200

Schedule

Full-time, regular employee status.

Primary location: United States-Virginia-Glen Allen. Other locations: United States-Virginia-Vienna, United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach, United States-Maryland-Fulton.