Geotechnical Engineer

The Opportunity
Tetra Tech is looking for a remote part-time Geotechnical Engineer for our Chicago, IL operations. 

Position Summary
The Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for planning, executing, and interpreting subsurface investigations and geotechnical analyses to support the design and construction of civil, structural, transportation, and environmental projects. Working principally within a consulting-engineering environment, the Geotechnical Engineer will provide technically sound recommendations for foundations, earthworks, slopes, retaining structures, ground improvement, and site preparation; prepare clear reports and drawings; and coordinate with project managers, design teams, contractors, and regulators to ensure geotechnical risk is identified and managed throughout project delivery. The role requires application of engineering fundamentals, field oversight, quality control, regulatory awareness, and effective client communication.

 

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Plan and scope geotechnical site investigations including selection of exploration methods (drilling, test pits, CPT, sampling), field testing (SPT, pocket penetrometer, vane shear, in-situ permeability), and laboratory testing programs.
• Supervise and perform field investigations; ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality collection of soil, rock, groundwater, and seepage data, and maintain field logs and chain-of-custody for samples.
• Direct or coordinate laboratory testing (index, classification, strength, consolidation, permeability, chemical) and review results for consistency and engineering relevance.
• Conduct engineering analyses to evaluate subsurface conditions and geotechnical performance, including bearing capacity, settlement, slope stability, liquefaction potential, lateral earth pressures, seepage, and earthwork compaction requirements.
• Develop foundation recommendations (shallow foundations, mat foundations, piles, drilled shafts) including design parameters, allowable bearing pressures, required embedment, and settlement estimates.
• Specify earthwork and ground-improvement measures (compaction specifications, proof-rolling, geosynthetics, soil stabilization, vibro-replacement, stone columns, grouting) and prepare construction observation/testing plans.
• Prepare clear, concise geotechnical reports, boring logs, engineering calculations, foundation plans, and construction specifications that document investigation scope, assumptions, analyses, recommendations, and limitations.
• Provide geotechnical support during design development and construction, including review of contractor submittals, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), and performing site observations and testing to verify compliance with design intent.
• Identify, quantify, and communicate geotechnical risks and uncertainties; recommend risk mitigation strategies and contingency measures for design and construction.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (geologists, civil/structural engineers, environmental specialists, regulatory agencies, and contractors) to integrate geotechnical input into overall project deliverables and schedules.
• Ensure work is performed in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements (e.g., AASHTO, ASTM, local building codes), and maintain project documentation for quality control and legal defensibility.
• Develop cost estimates for engineering projects.
• Mentor junior staff and technicians; review field logs, calculations, and reports for technical accuracy and professional presentation.
• Participate in business development and client relations activities as required, including preparing proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates for geotechnical services.
   

Why Tetra Tech
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geotechnical engineering or related field required.

• Minimum 8 years of environmental consulting or related experience.

• Professional Engineer license in Geotechnical Engineering.

• Demonstrated experience (typical range is 3 - 8+ years depending on level) in geotechnical site investigation, laboratory interpretation, and foundation/earthworks design for infrastructure, commercial, or industrial projects.
• Strong technical writing skills with ability to produce clear, concise reports and engineered recommendations.
• Competence in site supervision, field safety practices (OSHA), and management of geotechnical field crews and subcontractors.
• Effective oral communication and client-facing skills.
• Ability to present technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Analytical problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines and budgets.

• Proficiency with geotechnical analysis tools and software (e.g., SLOPE/W, PLAXIS, SETTLE, LPILE, GEO5, or industry equivalents), and familiarity with CAD/GIS for plotting subsurface data.

In addition, the following is required:

• Driving on a regular or occasional basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as ASCE Geotechnical Practice Specialty, ACI, or relevant testing/inspection credentials.
• Experience with seismic site response and liquefaction analyses.
• Familiarity with environmental site conditions, contaminant-impacted soils, and remediation-related geotechnical constraints.
• Experience in construction-phase geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring.
• 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training certification with current 8-hour refresher.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to:

• Walk around project sites in all types of terrains, including steep slopes and other difficult terrain.

• Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50lbs.

   

   

Work Environment / Environmental Factors

• This remote position will be a mix of office and field work.

• Field work may be conducted on difficult terrain and sometimes under harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. 

   

• Air travel to field project sites outside of home office may be required.

   

Additional Information

• This part-time position requires up to 30% travel, which may include overnight and international travel.  

• Travel to client sites and other locations to conduct meetings, site visits, etc. will be required. 

• Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
   

Life at Tetra Tech
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.  

Benefits
Tetra Tech offers a basic core medical plan and our 401k retirement plan for this position. 

The rate of pay for this position is $50/hour - $70/hour, depending on education, experience, skills, and location.

Health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including any public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, and international authorities as well as client and project requirements.