Graduate Geotechnical Engineer - 2026

Mott MacDonald•Los Angeles, CA

9d•$79,000 - $88,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including, Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water. We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story. If you share that vision, even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we’d still love to hear from you. We value potential and diverse perspectives as much as experience. Let’s explore how we can support your growth and help you take the next step in your career, while contributing to an exciting new chapter for Mott MacDonald in North America. 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 champion integrity and teamwork, because we know collaboration drives better outcomes – and you won’t just apply your engineering skills, you’ll also embrace the mindset of a consultant. 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 brand-new graduate program, Blueprint, launching in October 2026, 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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Log soil borings (hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, sonic) per ASTM D2488/USCS and Caltrans logging conventions; document SPT and Modified California sampling
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
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