Staff Geotechnical Engineer

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

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AECOM is seeking an Staff Geotechnical Engineer in Oakland, California to support dam, levee, and hydropower infrastructure projects as part of our industry-leading Pacific Dams / Hydro practice. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated early-career engineer to build a strong technical foundation while contributing to projects that enhance the safety, resilience, and long-term performance of critical infrastructure systems throughout Northern California and the western United States.

This position is expected to begin in June or July 2026.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior geotechnical engineers and technical specialists to support field investigations, engineering analyses, and design efforts for a wide range of dam and water resources facilities. This position provides hands-on experience across multiple phases of project development, including planning, analysis, design, construction support, and regulatory coordination, with strong mentorship and clear pathways for professional growth.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Support subsurface investigations, including drilling borings and advancing CPTs.
• Log soils and rock and assign samples for laboratory testing.
• Assist with construction inspection to verify conformance with plans and specifications.
• Perform geotechnical analyses (slope stability, seepage, settlement, foundations, liquefaction).
• Assemble and document geotechnical data using Excel, Word, gINT, and AutoCAD.
• Prepare geotechnical reports and engineering recommendations.
• Support development of designs, specifications, and construction documents.
• Review applicable regulations and standards for design and permitting.
• Apply QA/QC procedures to ensure accuracy and quality of work products.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field + None or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License required to visit project sites, clients, and other AECOM offices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree, or pursuing a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field 
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain within 6–12 months.
• 2 years of experience supporting geotechnical investigations or design projects.
• Coursework or academic research in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, slope stability, or geotechnical earthquake engineering.
• Experience with dam, levee, embankment, or water resources projects (academic or internship experience acceptable).
• Familiarity with geotechnical software such as GeoStudio, PLAXIS, Settle3D, LPILE, or similar analysis tools.
• Experience with data management tools such as gINT, Excel, or other geotechnical logging software.
• Exposure to seismic hazard analysis, liquefaction evaluation, or dynamic slope stability.
• Field experience supporting drilling programs, CPTs, or construction observation.
• Strong technical writing skills with experience preparing reports or technical memoranda.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar drafting software.

• We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. Permanent residency sponsorship is available for current H1-B visa holders in the United States.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.