Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose - to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

UES, one of the fastest-growing Consulting firms in the United States, is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join our Lexington, Kentucky team. This is an excellent opportunity to step into an established practice supported by a strong backlog of repeat business, long-standing client relationships, and a diverse portfolio of technically challenging work throughout the region.

We're looking for an experienced geotechnical professional who enjoys taking ownership of projects, partnering directly with clients and design teams, and serving as a trusted technical resource. Whether you're already familiar with the geology of Kentucky and the surrounding region or looking to apply your expertise in a market with diverse and technically demanding conditions, you'll join an established practice where experience, sound judgment, and independent decision-making are highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical expert on geotechnical engineering projects of significant complexity and scope.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, coordinating geotechnical input for large infrastructure, transportation, energy, and commercial projects.
• Develop innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable geotechnical design solutions.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources, ensuring delivery of high-quality work products.
• Build and maintain strategic client relationships, leading proposal efforts and negotiations for major contracts.
• Provide senior-level review and approval of geotechnical reports, specifications, and engineering analyses.
• Mentor, train, and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and professional associations.
• Contribute to company-wide technical standards, research initiatives, and best practices.
• Ensure strict compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality control procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (Master’s strongly preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Recognized expertise in advanced geotechnical modeling, soil-structure interaction, and ground improvement technologies.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex projects.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Active participation in professional organizations (e.g., ASCE, DFI, Geo-Institute) preferred.
• Ability to travel extensively for client and project needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE Required in Kentucky, Ohio or Indiana or ability to obtain

Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 20% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here