Geotechnical Project Engineer

MacKay is seeking a full-time Geotechnical Project Engineer to join our growing Geotechnical Team. Experience with local geological settings, codes, problematic soils, various subsurface investigation methods, engineering analyses, and reporting is required for this role. This Project Engineer can be based at either our Vancouver, Wenatchee, or Woodinville location.

Key Responsibilities:

Site Investigations & Laboratory Testing

• Plan and execute geotechnical subsurface investigations, including borings, test pits, and field sampling.
• Oversee and conduct laboratory testing to determine soil and rock engineering properties.
• Log field data and interpret subsurface soil, rock, and groundwater conditions.

Geotechnical Analysis & Design

• Perform geostructural analyses and design (shallow and deep foundations, earth-retaining structures).
• Conduct slope stability and landslide hazard analyses with an emphasis on Pacific Northwest geology.
• Evaluate problematic soil conditions and develop remediation plans for settlement and geohazards.
• Support infrastructure defect assessments and forensic remediation.

Construction Monitoring & Materials Testing (CMT)

• Conduct on-site construction monitoring, subgrade verification, and foundation inspections.
• Perform and oversee field density testing, compaction verification, and asphalt/concrete testing.
• Resolve differing site conditions and provide real-time engineering solutions during construction.

Reporting & Stakeholder Coordination

• Prepare geotechnical engineering design reports, technical memos, and daily field observation logs.
• Collaborate with contractors, developers, agencies, and internal multidisciplinary teams (civil, utilities, land development).
• Leverage geotechnical and CMT capabilities to cross-sell services across energy, utility, and infrastructure sectors.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, or related discipline
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Washington State (or ability to obtain via comity within 6 months of hire)
• 5+ years of relevant geotechnical engineering project experience
• Proven experience mentoring junior staff and leading field teams
• Proficiency with industry software and engineering tools (e.g.,  Slope/W, Plaxis, CT Shoring, and MS Excel)
• Robust communication skills with a client-service mindset and collaborative approach
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in order to be covered by MacKay’s insurance. This threshold includes no major violations in the past 5 years and no more than 3 minor moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past 3 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Why Join MacKay?

A people-first culture
At MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.

Meaningful work and real impact
Our teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.

Growth and opportunity
We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.

A strong and trusted foundation
Built on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You’ll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.

Opportunities to share in success
We provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.

Our Values

At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

• Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.
• Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.
• Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.

Who We Are

MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.

Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.

We’re looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.