Senior-Level Geotechnical Engineer

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance


• Dental insurance


• Flexible spending accounts


• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)


• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)


• Long-term disability


• Supplemental life insurance


• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan


• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)


• Bonus program


• Paid time off


• 9 Paid Holidays


• Wellness program


• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:  

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to support our growing business in Newport News, VA. Qualified candidates will be well-rounded, organized problem solvers with an interest in managing complex projects and developing younger staff. They should also possess detailed knowledge of construction materials testing and geotechnical engineering services during construction.   

Job Responsibilities:  

• Lead the completion of construction materials testing and Special Inspections for building and infrastructure projects including budget management and client communication


• Develop construction materials testing and Special Inspections proposals including scope of work and fee estimates


• Prepare reports related to routine construction materials testing as well as reports regarding exploration of existing structures or evaluation of construction materials related issues


• Interpret soil boring logs, geotechnical reports, and laboratory test data, and develop geotechnical construction recommendations


• Troubleshoot and interpret construction materials test results and geotechnical and structural materials issues during construction


• Perform construction observations to evaluate problems or complex conditions or as occasionally needed for more routine services


• Schedule and coordinate resources during construction phases


• Manage and train construction materials testing staff


• Communicate effectively with clients, business partners, subconsultants, and Schnabel team members


• Develop geotechnical engineering scope of services and fee estimates 


• Planning and oversight of geotechnical investigations. 


• Manage/review geotechnical field work performed by others 


• Assign, review and interpret geotechnical laboratory tests 


• Perform/review geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations 


• Develop geotechnical engineering recommendations and write geotechnical engineering reports 


• Perform project management activities including communicating resource needs, managing client expectations, planning and delegating work, management of project budgets, invoicing and backlog reporting 


• Work as a team member within the office and across the business unit in other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources 

Required Skills/Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program


• 10+ years of relevant professional experience in consulting geotechnical engineering 


• Experience performing construction materials field and laboratory testing in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM, VDOT and USACE Standards


• Experience with interpreting construction materials field and laboratory data


• Project management experience


• Familiarity with heavy civil construction means and methods


• Excellent oral and written communications skills


• Strong professional work ethic and desire to perform at a high level


• Ability to work independently or as part of a multi-person team


• Attention to detail and well-organized


• Ability to lift 60 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders and work outside

Preferred Skills/Experience:  

• Experience in geotechnical consulting in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia


• Experience in geotechnical consulting for Federal clients


• Experience managing or supervising engineering technicians and junior engineers

Other Requirements:  

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check 


• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening 

The compensation range for 10+ years of experience is between $95,000 to $145,000.  

Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.