Highlights
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. From commercial developments and industrial facilities to transportation and infrastructure projects, you'll play a key role in providing the geotechnical insight that keeps projects moving safely and efficiently.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Charleston, SC |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Industry | Construction |
| Company Size | 500 to 999 employees |
| Year Founded | 1964 |
| Website | http://universalengineering.com/ |
Description
Who We Are:
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:Join a growing geotechnical team and help shape the future of one of the Southeast's fastest-growing regions.
UES is looking for a Field Geotechnical Engineer who thrives outside the office and wants to be at the center of the action. Based in our North Charleston office, this role offers the opportunity to lead field investigations, influence critical construction decisions, and work directly on projects that support the continued growth of the Charleston and Lowcountry markets. You'll serve as a trusted technical resource in the field while partnering with experienced geotechnical professionals to expand UES's presence and impact throughout the region.
Responsibilities:
Why This Role Matters
Every successful project starts with understanding what's beneath the surface. From commercial developments and industrial facilities to transportation and infrastructure projects, you'll play a key role in providing the geotechnical insight that keeps projects moving safely and efficiently. Your observations, technical judgment, and recommendations will directly influence project outcomes from planning through construction.
What You'll Work On
- Lead geotechnical field investigations and subsurface exploration programs
- Provide engineering expertise on active construction sites and complex field conditions
- Partner with drilling crews, contractors, project managers, and clients to solve real-world challenges
- Evaluate soil, rock, and groundwater conditions that impact design and construction decisions
- Support geotechnical engineering recommendations for foundations, earthwork, and site development
- Contribute to technical reports and project deliverables that guide critical infrastructure and development projects
- Help ensure projects meet quality, safety, and performance expectations throughout construction
What Makes Someone Successful
You are someone who:
- Enjoys being in the field and seeing projects come to life
- Applies sound engineering judgment in dynamic environments
- Communicates confidently with clients, contractors, and project teams
- Is naturally curious and enjoys solving technical challenges
- Takes ownership of projects and follows through on commitments
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same
What Sets This Opportunity Apart
- Opportunity to be a visible technical leader in a growing Charleston geotechnical practice
- Significant field exposure and hands-on project involvement
- Diverse portfolio of commercial, industrial, transportation, and infrastructure projects
- Strong mentorship and collaboration with experienced geotechnical professionals
- Career growth opportunities within a national industry leader
- The ability to make immediate contributions while continuing to develop technical expertise
Job Responsibilities Note:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. UES retains the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
Qualifications:- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related discipline.
- 3–5 years of geotechnical field and construction observation experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of subsurface investigation techniques and soil/rock classification.
- Familiarity with ASTM testing standards and geotechnical construction practices.
- Ability to interpret geotechnical reports, plans, and construction drawings in the field.
- Experience using field data collection systems and basic engineering software preferred.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in dynamic field environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% 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.
- 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 visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses, including near/far vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
- Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
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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
About Company
Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc. (Universal) is a consulting engineering firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, environmental sciences, construction materials testing, and threshold inspection. We are a growing, competitive firm with a strong position and reputation in our industry. We are always looking for ways to provide enhanced services. With this in mind, we began offering private provider inspection (PPI) and plan review in 2003, and added in-house geophysical engineering and surveys to our already wide range of construction-related services.
Universal’s mission is to do “WHATEVER IT TAKES” to provide our services with a primary focus on understanding and delivering solutions for each of our individual client’s needs, be that timeliness, cost-saving recommendations, ingenuity or any other requirement they may have.