Geotechnical Engineer (Entry-Level)

About the firm

Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high-quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting, and construction conditions. We are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment, and utilizing innovative science practices in all our work.

Responsibilities

• Perform geotechnical engineering and geological analyses and calculations.
• Prepare and write engineering and other reports.
• Perform field explorations, collection of samples, geologic reconnaissance, and mapping.
• Perform construction observation on job sites and prepare summary logs and other documentation.
• Perform geotechnical lab testing and communicate results.
• Interact and communicate with clients, vendors, and staff at all levels.
• Support marketing activities, including preparation of cost proposals.
• Follow Shannon & Wilson’s Quality Assurance policy.
• Follow and promote Shannon & Wilson’s Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds.
• Working in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain.
• Travel (drive or fly) to field sites and job sites locally and out of state per project needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Requirements

• BS in Civil Engineering; MS or PhD Degree in Geotechnical Engineering strongly preferred.
• 0–6 years of experience in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Have obtained or are in process of receiving an Engineer-in-Training Certificate.
• On track to obtain Professional Engineering (PE) License.
• Work experience (and/or coursework) in one or more of the following areas: soil mechanics; rock mechanics; rock and soil slope stability; shallow and deep foundations; tunneling; microtunneling; seismic design; earthquake engineering; and retaining structures.
• Some knowledge or experience of field/construction observation in one or more of the following areas: logging geotechnical explorations, observation of pile driving operations, observations of earthwork activities, installation and recording of geotechnical instrumentation, field reconnaissance, and/or underground work.
• Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
• Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
• Valid driver license and insurable driving record.
• Basic computer skills: MS Word, Excel (required); MS Access (desirable).
• Critical thinking and analysis.

Benefits

• Employee stock ownership.
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care, and life insurance plans for employees and their families.
• Pre-tax health and daycare FSA.
• Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe-harbor contributions.
• 10–20 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees (prorated for part-time), based on years of experience.
• 9 paid holidays per year plus 1 personal holiday.
• Paid volunteer day.
• Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty.
• Two weeks of paid parental leave.
• Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Mentorship Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Free parking.

Level Placement

Depending on an applicant’s education, experience, overall abilities, alignment with the needs of the company and local office culture, and current business needs, an Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineer typically would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Professional I, II, III, or IV level.