Geotechnical Engineer

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

UES is hiring a Staff Engineer in Kingsport, Tennessee. You will analyze soil and site information, prepare reports and testing plans, evaluate project costs, and inspect construction sites to help projects meet specifications and safety standards.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering, EIT certification, PE eligibility, and one to two years of related experience or training. Construction methods and environmental knowledge are helpful.

Expect field and office assignments, outdoor conditions, required PPE, lifting 35–75 pounds, and travel up to 70%. Candidates must already live within commuting distance; relocation assistance is unavailable.

You will collaborate with project teams while building practical engineering experience. Early priorities should include learning procedures, producing accurate reports, and communicating concerns promptly. Curious, dependable problem solvers who enjoy teamwork will thrive.

Consider this opportunity for meaningful projects, UES training and mentorship, and industry-leading benefits. Recruiting can clarify hours, overtime, reporting relationships, certification support, and advancement opportunities.

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Responsibilities

• Calculates cost and determines feasibility of project based on analysis of collected data.
• Analyzes reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, tests, and aerial photographs on soil composition, terrain, hydrological characteristics, and other topographical and geologic data to plan and design project.
• Prepares or directs preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, testing schedules and designs for project.
• Inspects construction site to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering test plans, specifications, and safety standards.
• Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
• Directs, where necessary, various activities at projects sites

Qualifications

• Engineer In Training (E.I.T) Certification
• Ability to earn P.E. (Professional Engineer)
• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering from a four-year college or university; one to two years of related experience and/or training
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and working with project teams.
• Basic understanding of construction methods, site safety, and environmental regulations is helpful.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in both field and office environments and travel to project sites as needed.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Travel Requirements

Relocation Notice: UES is unable to provide or facilitate relocation for this position at this time. Candidates must currently reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the job location. Applicants who require relocation in order to accept this position will not be considered.

● This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
  • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
  • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
  • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here