Geotechnical Engineer
Tetra Tech is seeking a Mid-Level Geotechnical Engineer to grow into project ownership, client interaction, and technical leadership while performing meaningful engineering work. This position is available in multiple locations, including Billings (preferred), Helena, and Missoula, MT; Phoenix, AZ; or Salt Lake City, UT. Qualified candidates within the western region may also be considered.
About the Role
This role offers opportunities for advancement, including progressive project management, technical training, and supervision of less-experienced team members. Engineers will work and travel within the western U.S. and across the country on diverse projects in public and private infrastructure, renewable energy, commercial development, environmental hazard sites, mining, and oil and gas.
Typical projects span the full spectrum of geotechnical engineering, including:
- Heavy civil infrastructure (deep foundation, slope, and retaining wall design)
- Geologic hazard studies and mitigation
- Soil and rock slope stability analyses
- Waste containment design
- Horizontal directional drill (HDD) design
- Shallow and deep foundation design
- Bridge and highway corridor design
- Pavement section design
- Field instrumentation and monitoring
- Deep foundation load testing
- Construction oversight and materials inspection
We seek a collaborative geotechnical professional with strong technical and communication skills to help grow client relationships and new opportunities. You’ll work closely with other engineers to foster teamwork, provide mentorship, and maintain technical excellence.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and oversee geotechnical drilling and design projects
- Perform geotechnical field reconnaissance and assist with geophysical investigations
- Coordinate materials testing for geotechnical projects
- Conduct geotechnical analyses (slope stability, settlement, seepage, foundation design, road section design)
- Prepare geotechnical reports and review engineering reports of coworkers
- Develop proposals and cost estimates for new work
- Provide geotechnical oversight on construction projects
- Interact professionally with clients via meetings, calls, and emails
- Adhere to company health and safety standards
- Market to new and existing clients to secure new opportunities
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
- BS in Geotechnical Engineering, Geologic Engineering, or related field
- 3–8 years of geotechnical engineering experience with project management capabilities
- PE license or ability to obtain within 6 months; ability to secure reciprocity in multiple states (MT, AZ, UT, etc.)
- Experience preparing engineering plans and specifications for public and private projects
- Proficiency in complex geotechnical design analysis and current geotechnical design software
- Familiarity with geotechnical lab testing and construction materials testing
- Excellent writing and speaking skills; comfortable with client communications
- Ability to work independently, manage budgets, and prepare cost estimates
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and other Microsoft software
- Occasional travel and fieldwork (up to 25%)
- Pre-employment drug screening and valid driver’s license with a clean record
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing projects in geotechnical/civil, environmental, hydrology, or hydraulics fields
- Experience with infrastructure, mining and mine reclamation, geohazards, dams and levees, tunneling, trenchless design, or general construction
- HAZWOPER and MSHA certification
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment up to 50 lbs in variable weather and terrain
- Ability to travel and perform field oversight, including walking across uneven or steep terrain in all weather conditions for 10–14 day stints (extreme temperatures, loud noises, heavy equipment)
- Office work involves sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods using a computer and office equipment
Work Environment
Billings, MT is the preferred location, but candidates in Helena, MT; Phoenix, AZ; or Salt Lake City, UT are encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates within the western region may also be considered. This role may offer a hybrid work arrangement, but the candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the local office. Fieldwork will involve exposure to various environmental factors (weather, altitude, terrain, noise). Office work includes extended periods of sitting or standing at a desk.
Pay
Target salary range: $80,000 to $95,000. Tetra Tech considers factors such as education, relevant work experience, skills, geographic location, qualifications, certifications, and other competencies in determining pay.
Schedule
Full-time, Monday through Friday (40 hours). Occasionally, extended hours may be required based on project or client needs. Work will be performed in both office and field settings.
Benefits
- Comprehensive, market-competitive benefits (medical, dental, vision, prescription, accidental death & dismemberment, long & short-term disability)
- Financial benefits (group term life, optional group term life, business travel accident insurance, health savings account, 401K, employee stock purchase plan)
- Paid time off and employee assistance program
- Adoption assistance and leaves of absence
- Merit-based financial rewards
- Flexibility and commitment to work/life balance
- Collaborative team atmosphere with learning and development opportunities