Field Geotechnical Engineer

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Project Overview:

This position is dedicated to the Micron project in Clay, New York — a large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facility involving extensive deep foundation and earthwork construction. 

Job Summary:

Bechtel is seeking a Field Geotechnical Engineer to provide on-site engineering support and supervision for deep foundation and earthwork construction at the site. This role is primarily field-based; the majority of the work will involve on-site supervision of drilled shaft construction socketed into rock and earthwork with ground improvement consisting of over-excavation and replacement with engineered granular fill.

The position is part of the Geotechnical & Hydraulic Engineering Services (G&HES) group. The successful candidate will report to and receive technical supervision and functional oversight from the G&HES Group Supervisor / Geotechnical Engineering Manager or their designee, and is expected to work independently in the field while coordinating closely with Construction, CSAOM, ES&H, and the project management team. The role is site-based at the Micron project for an extended duration, with potential transition to another Bechtel project or permanent office thereafter and may require travel to other Bechtel and client offices. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a commitment to Bechtel's diversity & inclusion, leadership, quality, and safety values are required.

Major Responsibilities:

The majority of this field-based role involves on-site supervision of (1) drilled shaft construction socketed into rock and (2) earthwork with ground improvement consisting of over-excavation and replacement with engineered granular fill, in accordance with applicable procedures, codes, standards, and contract requirements. Specific tasks will include (but are not limited to):

Drilled shaft construction socketed into rock

• Provide on-site technical supervision during drilled shaft installation socketed into rock, verifying shaft location, plumbness, diameter, and rock socket length/embedment against the approved drawings and specifications.
• Verify rock socket conditions — rock type and quality, sidewall roughness, and base cleanout — and coordinate with home-office engineering on any deviations from the design basis.
• Observe and document reinforcement cage fabrication and placement and concreting operations (tremie placement, concrete mix verification, slump/flow, temperature, and test cylinder preparation).
• Review installation logs, concrete delivery tickets, and inspection records for quality and specification compliance.
• Support and witness drilled shaft load testing programs (static, bi-directional, or dynamic), including verification of equipment calibration, observation of testing, and preliminary review of results.

Earthwork and ground improvement (over-excavation and granular replacement)

• Provide on-site supervision of earthwork and ground improvement consisting of over-excavation of unsuitable material and replacement with engineered granular fill.
• Verify excavation limits and depths to suitable bearing strata; inspect and approve exposed subgrade (including proof rolling); and confirm granular fill gradation, placement, lift thickness, moisture conditioning, and compaction against specification.
• Review field and laboratory test results (density, gradation, moisture content) and coordinate any required remediation with engineering and Construction.

General field engineering

• Identify construction issues or deviations early and coordinate corrective actions with Construction, subcontractors, and home-office engineering.
• Maintain field documentation, including daily reports, inspection records, nonconformance reports (NCRs), and quality records.
• Track scope of work and schedule; coordinate closely with other technical disciplines as an integrated team.
• Support the development and implementation of geotechnical investigations and the origination/review of geotechnical engineering designs, specifications, calculations, and reports as needed.

Education and Experience Requirements:

An M.S. degree in Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited university with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering with a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated field experience supporting or supervising deep foundation (drilled shaft and/or pile) construction and earthwork/ground improvement operations.
• Field experience supervising drilled shaft construction, preferably including rock-socketed shafts.
• Working knowledge of earthwork and ground improvement (over-excavation and granular replacement), subgrade inspection, proof rolling, compaction control, and the associated field and laboratory testing.
• Knowledge of foundation construction quality control, load testing, and field documentation (daily reports, NCRs).
• Ability to read and interpret geotechnical drawings and specifications; familiarity with soil and rock characterization.
• Familiarity with geotechnical software such as LPILE, APILE, SHAFT, GROUP, SLOPE/W, gINT, Settle3D, and Plaxis, as well as Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong coordination and communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to work effectively in a construction environment.
• Willing and able to travel to and remain at the Micron jobsite in Clay, NY, and other jobsites, on short- and long-term assignments.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• Authorized to work legally in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) registration, or demonstrable progress toward PE.
• Experience on large industrial, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, energy, or infrastructure projects.
• Prior involvement in drilled shaft or pile load testing programs.
• Hands-on experience with ground improvement techniques (over-excavation and granular replacement, deep mixing, stone columns).
• Experience adhering to established procedures in compliance with quality assurance protocols and occupational health and safety standards.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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