About the OpportunityJoin the Federal Highway Administration's nationally recognized
Geotechnical (GEO) Laboratory and contribute to research that directly impacts the safety, durability, and performance of U.S. transportation infrastructure. As a
Geotechnical Research Engineer - Level 2, you will support cutting-edge research across multiple focus areas-including pavements, scour, bridge foundations, and corrosion of buried elements with primary focus on soil-structure interaction, structural backfill, advanced material characterization, and the application of data science to advanced engineering analytics and predictive research modeling.
This role is ideal for early-career engineers with strong academic training, hands-on research experience, and an interest in leveraging machine learning and AI tools in a highly technical, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:Laboratory & Field Research- Lead the development of detailed research workplans specifically focused on bridge-related soil-structure interaction to address high-priority challenges faced by State DOT engineers.
- Conduct standard and advanced geotechnical laboratory tests (triaxial, direct shear, resilient modulus, permeability, erosion testing, etc.) per ASTM/AASHTO standards.
- Prepare, fabricate, and test soil and aggregate specimens, including large-scale and specialty tests.
- Install instrumentation, assemble data acquisition systems, and support field monitoring activities.
Data Science, Analysis & Numerical Modelling- Apply machine learning, AI tools, and advanced data analytics to interpret complex laboratory and field datasets.
- Analyze laboratory and field data; prepare plots, summaries, and interpretations.
- Conduct literature reviews, synthesize findings, and support development of research workplans.
- Perform advanced numerical modeling (e.g., finite element modeling, constitutive modeling) with a specific focus on soil-structure interaction.
Documentation, Reporting and Lab Operations- Document test procedures with high-quality notes, photos, and schematics.
- Develop and prepare FHWA research reports, TechBriefs, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Support preparation of presentations, technical summaries, and technology-transfer materials.
- Assist with equipment setup, maintenance, calibration, safety compliance, and procurement of specialty instrumentation and supplies.
- Participate in weekly progress meetings and maintain organized project files.
Required Qualifications (GT-RE Level 2)- Master's degree in civil engineering with a core concentration in Geotechnical Engineering
- Demonstrated experience in bridge-related geotechnical engineering, soil-structure interaction, and advanced material/aggregate characterization.
- Hands-on experience planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting on laboratory-scale or large-scale geotechnical research beyond degree requirements.
- Record of technical publications and presentations
- Strong computational and data analysis skills, including experience with MATLAB, Python, R, or similar programming languages used for engineering applications.
- Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to produce publication-ready technical content.
Preferred Qualifications- Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering
- Direct experience developing or applying Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, or advanced statistical models to engineering datasets.
- Proficiency in data acquisition systems, sensors, and geotechnical laboratory instrumentation.
- Familiarity with numerical modeling tools (e.g., PLAXIS, Abaqus, FLAC).
Physical & Professional Requirements- Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in active laboratory and occasional field environments.
- Commitment to laboratory safety and adherence to OSHA and TFHRC protocols.
