Project Geotechnical Engineer

Job Overview

Athena is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We are seeking a motivated Project Geotechnical Engineer to manage and support geotechnical engineering projects throughout the United States. This position is ideal for an engineer ready to take ownership of projects while continuing to grow technically and professionally.

Major Tasks

• Plan and manage geotechnical investigations for transportation, commercial, energy, water resources, and public infrastructure projects.
• Cook up drilling programs, laboratory testing, field exploration, and construction observation activities.
• Perform geotechnical analyses for shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, embankments, slopes, pavements, and earthwork.
• Prepare geotechnical engineering reports, technical memoranda, specifications, proposals, and cost estimates.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budgets, deliverables, and quality throughout project execution.
• Cook up with clients, contractors, subcontractors, and internal multidisciplinary teams.
• Support construction-phase engineering services, including review of field conditions, testing results, and contractor submittals.
• Review technical work prepared by staff engineers and provide guidance during project execution.
• Mentor Staff Geotechnical Engineers, geologists, and field personnel.
• Aid senior leadership with proposal preparation, client development, and business development initiatives.
• Collaborate with Athena's environmental, ecological, water resources, surveying, and engineering teams.
• Promote Athena's commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Minimum 58 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience managing geotechnical engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, retaining structures, earthwork, and slope stability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Experience with transportation, federal, military, dams, or energy projects.
• Experience with USACE, DOT, municipalities, or public-sector clients.
• OSHA 10Hour Certification.
• Experience with GeoStudio, LPILE, OpenGround, gINT, and Microsoft Office.
• Proposal preparation and client relationship experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Companypaid life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Continuing education and licensure support
• Retail plan

About the Role

We are a growing woman-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm delivering innovative solutions nationwide. Our multidisciplinary expertise includes geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, ecological services, water resources, land surveying, and Value Engineering. We proudly serve federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as transportation, energy, industrial, water, and commercial clients.

Requirements

Location: Goodlettsville (Nashville), Tennessee preferred. Hybrid work opportunities may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Travel

Approximately 15–25% domestic travel is expected for field investigations, drilling oversight, construction observation, and site visits.