Geo-Technical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineer

Location: Minnesota, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time / Contract
Experience: 5–8 Years
Industry: Utility Transmission & Distribution, Substations, Renewable Energy, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Heavy Civil Infrastructure

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to support utility-scale transmission, substation, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across Minnesota. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and executing geotechnical investigations, evaluating subsurface conditions, performing engineering analyses, and developing foundation recommendations for utility infrastructure. The role requires close collaboration with civil, structural, and electrical engineering teams to ensure safe, economical, and code-compliant project designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee geotechnical site investigations for substations, transmission lines, BESS facilities, and other utility infrastructure.
• Review and interpret borehole logs, soil samples, laboratory testing results, and geotechnical field data.
• Perform geotechnical engineering analyses including settlement analysis, bearing capacity, liquefaction potential, slope stability, earth pressure, seepage, and retaining structure evaluations.
• Develop foundation recommendations for transformers, switchgear, control buildings, battery enclosures, steel structures, transmission poles, and other utility equipment.
• Evaluate ground improvement requirements and recommend appropriate construction techniques where poor soil conditions exist.
• Prepare comprehensive Geotechnical Investigation Reports (GIRs), engineering memorandums, design calculations, and technical specifications.
• Provide recommendations for excavation support systems, shoring, dewatering, erosion control, and earthwork activities.
• Support civil and structural engineering teams with foundation loading data and geotechnical design parameters.
• Review contractor geotechnical submittals, laboratory reports, and construction methodologies.
• Perform construction-phase engineering support, field inspections, and foundation verification as required.
• Coordinate with surveyors, drilling contractors, testing laboratories, and regulatory agencies during site investigations.
• Identify geotechnical risks and recommend practical engineering solutions to minimize project impacts.
• Ensure all engineering work complies with project specifications, utility requirements, applicable building codes, OSHA regulations, and industry standards.
• Participate in multidisciplinary design reviews and client meetings as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with specialization in Geotechnical Engineering (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum 4+ years of geotechnical engineering experience supporting infrastructure or utility projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain licensure.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, earthworks, and geotechnical design principles.
• Experience preparing geotechnical reports and engineering calculations.
• Ability to interpret geotechnical laboratory testing and field investigation data.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites throughout Minnesota as required.