Geotechnical Projects Engineer (Civil Engineer III)

Job Description

The MassDOT Geotechnical Unit is looking to add excited candidates who are interested in review of geotechnical design and construction submittals related to highway and bridge projects. The MassDOT Geotechnical Unit sits within the Headquarters Bridge Section.

About MassDOT Highway Headquarters Bridge Section

The Headquarters Bridge Section is where driven, passionate enthusiastic individuals are responsible for design, and operations and maintenance of bridges, tunnels, and other ancillary structures. The section works to support a multitude of highway functions and projects as well as District operations. When you choose to join the team, you will be part of a section that takes pride in their work reviewing and supporting a multitude of projects.

Position Summary

Incumbents oversee the preparation and/or review of site characterization plans, geotechnical reports, sketch plans, and final design drawings as they relate to geotechnical engineering and foundations. Incumbents will provide support services to other MassDOT units and districts on geotechnical issues that arise during construction or due to natural forces. Incumbents are responsible for completing their duties with minimal supervision and will be responsible for the quality and accuracy of the project deliverables.

Duties and Responsibilities

The performance of the following duties and assigned projects will require minimal supervision, including identifying all the tasks and information needed to complete the project, completing those tasks and assembling the information; and be responsible for the quality and accuracy of the project deliverables.

• Supervises complex subsurface investigation and soil or foundation testing programs and follows policies and procedures regarding all design, construction and maintenance projects as required.
• Gathers, interprets, analyzes, presents, and reviews complex geotechnical data in conformance with sound engineering principles and practices; and in conformance with Plans, Specifications and Estimates to resolve problems in design, maintenance, and construction as they occur.
• Prepares reports containing geotechnical information and recommendations with cost estimates for proposed and/or existing projects using information obtained from: field measurements, geologic maps, borings, geophysical surveys, laboratory measurements, technical literature, construction methods, suppliers, contractors, project records and other sources.
• Review geotechnical and foundation engineering designs for such projects as bridges, highways, buildings, retaining walls, embankments, dams, slopes, tunnels, etc. in accordance with sound engineering principles, applicable regulations, and technical standards.
• Reviews Geotechnical Engineering aspect of Permits associated with development adjacent to or installation of utilities under or near state highways.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical concentration is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in performing geotechnical engineering analysis of transportation infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience in the design and review of transportation infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience in the resolution of geotechnical construction issues related to transportation infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges and the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Code.
• Familiar with the MassDOT Bridge Manual and MassDOT Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges.
• Working knowledge of geotechnical technologies to solve transportation infrastructure foundation issues.

This position is eligible for a five-thousand dollar ($5,000) signing bonus ("Signing Bonus") if you are newly hired at MassDOT. Current MassDOT employees are not eligible for the Signing Bonus. The Signing Bonus will be paid in two parts: 1) $3,000 (less applicable taxes) included in the employee's first paycheck. 2) $2,000 (less applicable taxes) after the successful completion of the employee's probationary period.

About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth's residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT's inclusive culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.

MassDOT's divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.

Qualifications

Minimum Entrance Requirements

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in civil engineering work in such areas as construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, airport, soils and materials, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in civil engineering or civil engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in civil engineering or civil engineering technology, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree with a major in civil engineering, may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.*

NOTE: The terms civil engineering and civil engineering technology include related engineering disciplines such as construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, soils, sanitary, environmental, drafting, highway, architectural, mining, airport and materials.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.
• For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857-368-4722.
• For a disability-related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857-274-1935.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA

Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-25000834

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-01-31T18:36:36