Geotechnical Engineer
Position Overview
GMU Engineers and Geologists is seeking a licensed Geotechnical Engineer (PE/GE) to join our Rancho Santa Margarita team in a client-facing, project leadership role. This position offers the opportunity to lead projects end-to-end, mentor and develop staff, and grow within the firm, with a clear path toward senior leadership. As a partner-owned firm led by engineers and geologists who remain actively involved in project delivery, we offer a collaborative environment with direct access to leadership and efficient decision-making. We are seeking someone committed to building a long-term presence in Southern California and contributing to the firm’s next phase of growth.
GMU is a 45-person firm with nearly 60 years of history on some of Southern California’s most complex and high-impact geotechnical projects: master-planned communities like Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch, high-rise towers at Irvine Spectrum and Fashion Island, major arterial highways and bridge infrastructure like Antonio Pkwy, Cow Camp Rd, and Los Patrones Pkwy, and pavement programs across dozens of Orange County cities. Most of our work is local, meaning you'll drive past the projects you designed, watch them get built, and know your work is shaping the community you live in. Our multidisciplinary team covers geotechnical, pavement, structural, civil, forensic, and construction management / testing / inspection, all under one roof. You will get the opportunity to work across a variety of disciplines, different project types, and face exciting new challenges to solve with every project.
Major Responsibilities
Geotechnical Engineer – Senior to Associate Level
The role combines leadership with hands-on project delivery across the full lifecycle, from investigation through design and construction. Day-to-day responsibilities include:
• Leadership within Geotechnical Team: Lead or support leadership to develop a team of engineers and geologists through mentorship, technical direction, and project execution.
• Project Management: Manage projects from proposal through delivery, including scoping, budgeting, scheduling, staffing, and deliverables.
• Client Relationships and Business Development: Build and maintain direct, ongoing client relationships, and contribute to business development through proposals, new client pursuit, and expanding the firm's presence in the market.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with GMU’s multidisciplinary team to integrate geotechnical input across civil, structural, and pavement disciplines, supporting coordinated and practical project solutions.
• Geotechnical Investigations: Develop and oversee geotechnical field programs, including drilling, CPTs, test pits, sampling, and laboratory testing.
• Data Interpretation & Modeling: Evaluate subsurface conditions, laboratory data, and geologic conditions to develop geotechnical models that support practical, technically sound design recommendations.
Geotechnical Engineering Analysis: Perform a wide range of geotechnical analyses, such as hillside slope stability, settlement, bearing capacity, liquefaction, lateral spreading, seismic hazards. Develop design parameters for site earthwork, deep or shallow foundations, retaining walls, shoring, and other civil structures.
• Technical Reports: Prepare and review clear, practical, project-specific geotechnical design reports, both independently and as part of a team, applying a strong working knowledge of soil mechanics and engineering geology.
• Construction Support and Field Services: Oversee and provide geotechnical construction support, including grading and fill observation, compaction testing, foundation and shoring inspection, pavement inspection, as well as registered special inspection (ICC, ACI) and Caltrans-certified testing programs.
• Software: Use tools such as LPILE, Slope/w, CPet-IT, Cliq, AutoCAD, ESRI ArcGIS, SHAFT, PYWALL, FLAC, to support analysis, mapping, design, and data visualization.
Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, with coursework in geotechnical engineering. Preferred: Master of Science in Civil Engineering with geotechnical emphasis.
• License: CA Professional Engineer (PE) and Geotechnical Engineer (GE)
• Experience: 10+ years of relevant geotechnical engineering experience, including the responsibilities noted above and diverse experience in the lab, field, office, and project/client management. Working knowledge of geology as it relates to the field of geotechnical engineering.
• Communication and Organization: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with keen attention to detail and effective time management.
• Professional Attributes: Takes ownership of professional development, staying current with technical advancements, and proactively advancing technical knowledge. Demonstrates initiative, proactive client service, and the ability to deliver high-quality work independently and within a team.
• Work arrangements: Primarily office- and field-based role. Due to the hands-on, collaborative nature of our work, regular in-office presence is expected when not in the field. This is not a remote or hybrid position; however, flexibility is available when project demands allow.
• Transportation: Reliable vehicle for travel to and from project sites.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform field-related tasks, including lifting up to 30 lbs. and walking for extended periods on project sites.
Compensation and Benefits Package
Base salary: $130,000 – $190,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Total compensation exceeding $200,000 for highly qualified candidates. In addition to base pay, GMU offers:
• 401(k) with employer matching and profit-sharing contributions
• Annual performance-based profit-sharing bonus
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Professional development support, including training, certifications, continuing education, etc.
How to Apply: Please submit your resume to [email protected]
