Graduate Geotechnical Engineer

About the Role

At Mott MacDonald, we are expanding our operations across the US and Canada and are inviting passionate individuals to join us. As a participant in our graduate program, Blueprint, you'll embark on a structured three-year development journey designed with an award-winning learning provider, blending immersive learning experiences with development sessions to build professional, commercial, and personal effectiveness skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Log soil borings (hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, sonic) per ASTM D2488/USCS and Caltrans logging conventions; document soil and sampling activities.
• Observe CPT soundings, test pits, and geophysical surveys; coordinate with drilling and CPT subcontractors.
• Coordinate USA/DigAlert clearances, encroachment permits, and site access ahead of fieldwork.
• Monitor instrumentation (inclinometers, settlement plates, piezometers, vibration monitors) and reduce readings.
• Maintain daily field reports, photo logs, and quantity tracking for drilling and construction activities.
• Assist with the assignment and tracking of geotechnical laboratory tests and reviewing the results for consistency with field logs.
• Prepare boring logs in OpenGround; develop subsurface profiles and cross sections.
• Perform or assist with geotechnical analyses under the direction of a Geotechnical Engineer, including shallow foundations, deep foundations, slope stability, seepage, liquefaction triggering, seismic settlement, lateral spreading evaluation, and pavement design.
• Perform or assist with soil-structure interaction (SSI) and site response analyses, including numerical modeling in PLAXIS 2D/3D, FLAC, LS-DYNA, or similar applications.
• Draft sections of geotechnical investigation reports, foundation reports (Caltrans FR format), and geotechnical design memoranda.
• Assist with the preparation of figures, site plans, and boring location maps.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (geotechnical focus).
• Self-motivated and able to work as part of a team.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or the ability to obtain EIT certification within 12 months.
• The desire to work toward and obtain California PE and GE licensure.
• Demonstrated interest in your chosen field through previous internships, volunteering opportunities, or organization memberships.
• Creative thinking skills, with a methodical and pragmatic approach to problem solving.
• Proficient communication and presentation skills to engage confidently with clients and colleagues.
• Resilient, solution-oriented mindset, with a focus on continuous growth and delivering value.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative spirit and commitment to teamwork.
• A valid CA driver's license.
• Familiarity with SSI and 3D ground modeling (LS-DYNA/PLAXIS/FLAC) is preferred.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US, as Mott MacDonald is unable to provide sponsorship at this time. (US Only)

Location

• Los Angeles, CA, US
• San Jose, CA, US

Work Pattern

• Full Time

Expected Salary

• $79,000 - $88,000

Benefits & Rewards

• Best in class learning and development initiatives.
• Dedicated mentorship program.
• Network of Employee Resource Groups.
• Opportunities for excellence everyday.
• Personal and group performance bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• FSA and HSA accounts.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Competitive 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Caregiver leave.
• Employee referral bonuses.
• Professional registration and membership reimbursements.
• Tuition assistance.

Recruitment Timeline

• August 2026 – Application Window Opens
• November 30, 2026 – Application Window Closes
• December 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027 – Interviews
• February 1, 2027 – March 31, 2027 – Hiring Decisions Finalized
• June 14, 2027 – Start Date