Graduate Geotechnical Engineer - 2026

About the role

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering consultancy with a strong presence in North America. We offer a range of services including buildings, energy, transportation, and water projects across over 150 countries. We are committed to sustainability and innovation, and we empower our employees to excel and grow.

Responsibilities

• Log soil borings (hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, sonic) per ASTM D2488/USCS and Caltrans logging conventions
• Document SPT and Modified California sampling
• Observe CPT soundings, test pits, and geophysical surveys
• Coordinate with drilling and CPT subcontractors
• Coordinate USA/DigAlert clearances, encroachment permits, and site access ahead of fieldwork
• Monitor instrumentation (inclinometers, settlement plates, piezometers, vibration monitors) and reduce readings
• Maintain daily field reports, photo logs, and quantity tracking for drilling and construction activities
• Assist with the assignment and tracking of geotechnical laboratory tests (moisture/density, Atterberg limits, gradation, direct shear, consolidation, triaxial, R-value, expansion index, corrosivity) and reviewing the results for consistency with the field logs
• Prepare boring logs in OpenGround; develop subsurface profiles and cross sections
• Perform or assist with geotechnical analyses under the direction of a Geotechnical Engineer, including shallow foundations, deep foundations, slope stability, seepage, liquefaction triggering, seismic settlement, lateral spreading evaluation, and pavement design
• Draft sections of geotechnical investigation reports, foundation reports (Caltrans FR format), and geotechnical design memoranda
• Auxiliary tasks related to preparing figures, site plans, and boring location maps

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (geotechnical focus)
• Self-motivated and able to work as part of a team
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or the ability to obtain EIT certification within 12 months
• The desire to work toward and obtain California PE and GE licensure
• Demonstrated interest in your chosen field through previous internships, volunteering opportunities, or organization memberships
• Creative thinking skills, with a methodical and pragmatic approach to problem solving
• Proficient communication and presentation skills to engage confidently with clients and colleagues
• Resilient, solution-oriented mindset, with a focus on continuous growth and delivering value
• Able to build and maintain relationships and rapport with internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborative spirit and commitment to teamwork
• A valid CA driver's license

Qualifications

• Passionate about your chosen field
• Valid CA driver's license

Skills

• Geotechnical engineering
• Project management
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Communication

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term/long-term disability
• Paid holidays
• PTO
• Parental leave
• Company-paid life insurance

Pay

$79k - $88k

Schedule

Full-time

Location

Los Angeles, California