Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer
Terracon · Lombard, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $108,240 / year
- Lombard, IL
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Subject: Interested in the Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer role at Terracon
Hi Casey — I came across the Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Terracon stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Lead geotechnical projects from investigation to completion.
- Focus on transportation and public works infrastructure.
- Conduct analyses and prepare technical reports.
- Support construction phases and client coordination.
- Mentor junior engineers and ensure quality.
About the role
Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer
Terracon's Lombard office has an active geotechnical practice serving transportation, infrastructure, commercial, energy, and private-sector clients across Illinois. We are looking for a Senior Geotechnical Staff Engineer who wants to do more than process data. This role is for an engineer ready to take ownership of technical work, support project delivery, and grow toward broader project management and client-facing responsibilities.
The primary focus will be geotechnical transportation and public works projects, including roadways, bridge foundations, retaining structures, pavements, drainage structures, utility corridors, and related infrastructure. The position will also include selected commercial, industrial, energy, and site-development projects.
This role offers exposure to the full life cycle of geotechnical consulting: scoping, field investigation, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, report preparation, construction support, and client coordination. You will work with experienced project managers, senior engineers, field staff, and technical reviewers while building the judgment needed to manage increasingly complex work.
Hybrid schedule flexibility is available when compatible with project needs, field assignments, training, and team coordination. Relocation assistance and/or a signing bonus may be considered. Terracon also offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and support for continued technical and career growth.
Essential Roles And Responsibilities
You will help move geotechnical projects from investigation through recommendations, reporting, and construction support. Typical responsibilities include:
- Planning and coordinating subsurface exploration programs, drilling, field testing, and laboratory testing.
- Reviewing boring logs, laboratory data, plans, specifications, and project requirements.
- Performing geotechnical analyses for foundations, pavements, earthwork, retaining structures, slopes, groundwater conditions, and related design issues.
- Preparing geotechnical reports, technical memoranda, proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates.
- Supporting construction-phase services, including field observation review, test data review, submittal review, and responses to construction questions.
- Communicating with clients, design teams, contractors, drilling crews, laboratories, and internal project teams.
- Coordinating with and mentoring junior engineers, field engineers, technicians, laboratory staff, and exploration teams.
- Following Terracon’s safety, quality, and risk-management practices.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Engineer-in-Training certification required.
- 3 to 5+ years of geotechnical engineering experience.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills.
- Ability to work in both office and field settings.
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering or a related field.
- Experience with transportation, public works, bridge, roadway, pavement, retaining wall, utility, or infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with Illinois transportation agencies and public-sector design teams.
- Interest in developing project management, client communication, and technical leadership skills.
Key skills/competency
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Project Management
- Technical Writing
- Client Communication
- Field Investigation
- Laboratory Testing
- Construction Support
- Risk Management
- Engineering Analysis
Skills & topics
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Senior Staff Engineer
- Civil Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Infrastructure Projects
- Project Management
- Construction Support
- Site Investigation
- Report Preparation
- Terracon
- Illinois
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 3-5+ years of geotechnical engineering experience, EIT certification, and specific project involvement (transportation, public works).
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize your experience in subsurface exploration, geotechnical analyses, report preparation, and construction support.
- Demonstrate communication: Provide examples of your strong technical writing and client coordination abilities.
- Highlight relevant education: Ensure your Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering is prominent.
- Prepare for field/office: Be ready to discuss your ability to work effectively in both settings.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities for a Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer at Terracon?
- As a Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer at Terracon, you will manage geotechnical projects from initial investigation through reporting and construction support. This includes planning subsurface explorations, performing analyses for foundations and pavements, preparing technical reports and proposals, and providing construction-phase services. You'll also communicate with clients and internal teams, and mentor junior engineers.
- What qualifications are essential for the Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer role at Terracon?
- Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field, along with an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. You'll also need 3 to 5 years of geotechnical engineering experience, strong technical writing and communication skills, and the ability to work in both office and field settings. A valid driver's license is also required.
- What type of projects will a Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer at Terracon work on?
- The primary focus will be on geotechnical transportation and public works projects, such as roadways, bridge foundations, retaining structures, pavements, and drainage structures. You will also have opportunities to work on commercial, industrial, energy, and site-development projects.
- Does Terracon offer opportunities for professional development for a Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer?
- Yes, Terracon offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes professional development opportunities and support for continued technical and career growth. You will work with experienced professionals and gain the judgment needed to manage increasingly complex work.
- Is this a hybrid or remote position for the Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer at Terracon?
- This is an onsite position, but hybrid schedule flexibility is available when compatible with project needs, field assignments, training, and team coordination. This allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work when feasible.
- What is the salary range for the Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer position at Terracon?
- The salary range for the Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer position at Terracon is $84,920.00 to $108,240.00 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
- What is the location for this Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer role?
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