Graduate Geotechnical Engineer- 2027

At Mott MacDonald, we believe that engineering is about more than solving problems, it’s about shaping a future that’s inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. As we expand our operations across the US and Canada, we’re inviting passionate individuals to join us in a journey that’s driven by purpose and powered by brilliant people. We’re trusted consultants, partnering with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver lasting impact.

From the moment you join our team, you’ll be surrounded by experienced engineering consultants, project managers, and subject matter experts who are committed to excellence and innovation. You’ll work side-by-side with mentors and peers who specialize in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and advanced numerical modeling, allowing you to not just apply your engineering skills, but to also experience and understand the wide variety technical challenges we face, and the interdisciplinary collaboration that it takes to solve them.

Together, we’ll tackle complex challenges, deliver sustainable solutions, and create positive change for our clients and the communities they serve. You’ll be trusted to contribute, encouraged to grow, and supported every step of the way.

As a participant in our graduate program, Blueprint, you’ll embark on a structured three‑year development journey designed in partnership with an award‑winning learning provider. The program blends immersive learning experiences with mandatory development sessions to build the professional, commercial, and personal effectiveness skills graduates need to thrive and grow into future leaders within our business.

Your responsibilities may include:

• 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 (moisture/density, Atterberg limits, gradation, direct shear, consolidation, triaxial, R-value, expansion index, corrosivity) and reviewing the results for consistency with the 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

To be considered for this opportunity, here’s what you’ll need:

• 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
• While not required, familiarity with SSI and 3D ground modeling (LS-DYNA/PLAXIS/FLAC) is preferred

This position is located in Los Angeles, California. You must be able to reliably commute to our office in this location, per our hybrid working policy.

We’re more than engineers - we’re changemakers. At Mott MacDonald, you’ll find:

• Best in class learning and development initiatives
• Dedicated mentorship program
• Network of Employee Resource Groups
• Opportunities for excellence everyday

We welcome individuals who are driven by curiosity, compassion, and a desire to make a difference. If you’re excited by the idea of working in an engineering consultant that values your growth and empowers you to lead with integrity, we’d love to hear from you.

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) 

Build your career while helping shape what comes next. At Mott MacDonald, you will be encouraged to explore your potential, share your ideas, and make meaningful contributions from the start.

• Learning and development experiences that support your career goals
• Dedicated mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
• Employee Resource Groups that help build connection and community
• Meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow every day

Bring your curiosity, compassion, and drive to make a difference. If you are ready to join a collaborative engineering consultancy where your perspective is valued, your development is supported, and you are empowered to lead with integrity, we would love to hear from you.

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

Benefits & Rewards

At Mott MacDonald, our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing them with a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and professional growth of our employees. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, FSA and HSA accounts, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching. We also provide paid time off, paid holidays, caregiver leave, employee referral bonuses, professional registration and membership reimbursements, and tuition assistance to support continued learning and career development.

The expected salary for this position is $79,000 - $88,000

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

Collaboration at Our Core
At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we’re together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet client, team, and personal commitments.

Equal opportunity is the law.

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.