Field Geotechnical Engineer or Geologist - Nuclear

S&ME • Knoxville, TN

2d

About The Position

S&ME is seeking an early-career engineer or geologist to support civil, geotechnical, and environmental projects, with a focus on nuclear project sites. The role offers hands-on field experience across projects and teams, working alongside experienced professionals on complex, high-profile assignments. Projects may include site selection and due diligence, field exploration, and construction quality assurance supporting permitting, licensing, and construction of nuclear facilities such as traditional light water reactors, small modular reactors, uranium enrichment facilities, and fuel fabrication facilities. The position may be based in Knoxville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, Atlanta, Greenville-Spartanburg, or Columbus.

The work combines subsurface field investigations, data analysis, technical reporting, inspections, and coordination with project teams, clients, contractors, laboratories, vendors, and regulatory stakeholders. Field assignments involve travel and a 10-days-on/4-days-off rotational schedule, with employees returning home between rotations. The work is often outdoors, including on nuclear project sites and in varying weather conditions.

S&ME is a 100% employee-owned company. It offers training, mentorship, career development, and hands-on experience, along with benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans; retirement and employee-ownership programs; paid time off; parental leave; tuition reimbursement; and other listed programs. This is a full-time role with competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must meet employment eligibility, fleet management, substance policy, and reference check requirements; visa assistance is unavailable.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, geology, or consulting.
• Field subsurface exploration experience.
• Ability to travel and work a 10-days-on/4-days-off rotational schedule during field assignments, returning home between rotations.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, up to 12 or more hours.
• Ability to routinely lift and carry 40–50 pounds of equipment and samples.
• Valid employment eligibility (I-9) and compliance with the company's Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on nuclear projects or in highly regulated environments.
• EIT, GIT, Professional Engineer (PE), or Professional Geologist (PG) credential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork including soil borings, drilling oversight, monitoring well installation, and in-situ testing.
• Classify soil and rock and oversee collection of soil, groundwater, and gas samples.
• Lead and support subsurface exploration in complex and regulated environments, including nuclear project sites.
• Analyze subsurface conditions and interpret geological and geotechnical data.
• Support laboratory testing programs and evaluate results for engineering and environmental applications.
• Assist in developing engineering recommendations based on field and laboratory data.
• Prepare data tables, figures, and graphical presentations.
• Compare findings with state and federal regulatory standards.
• Develop clear, well-organized technical reports for client and regulatory review.
• Perform construction and environmental inspections.
• Document site conditions and ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Support quality assurance and field verification activities.
• Coordinate with drilling contractors, laboratories, vendors, and project teams.
• Communicate with internal staff, clients, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Contribute to project planning and execution through clear technical communication.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA and FSA options.
• Pet insurance.
• 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) with a minimum 5% company contribution and automatic enrollment.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), with rollover options.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Mentorship and career development programs.
• Credential incentive program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee recognition program.
• Company vehicle and fuel card for project-based roles.
• $2,000 employee referral bonuses.
• Professional training and mentorship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level