Geotechnical Design Engineer/Construction Inspector

Job description

At Jacobs, we're not just building structures—we're helping our clients innovate and grow by designing, engineering, and executing the construction of state-of-the-art facilities that are changing our world. Jacobs is seeking a Geotechnical Design Engineer/Construction Inspector with a strong geotechnical engineering background to join our team in St. Louis, MO. In this key position, you will oversee all on-site operations, ensuring projects are executed safely, on schedule, and to the highest quality standards.

This role requires leadership to coordinate crews and subcontractors, enforce safety compliance, manage resources, and maintain seamless communication between field teams and project management. You’ll drive productivity, resolve challenges proactively, and serve as the primary on-site authority for delivering exceptional results—while applying geotechnical principles to ensure soil, foundation, and earthwork integrity.

When you join us, you’ll be responsible for the following: Geotechnical Oversight

• Monitor and verify soil conditions, compaction, and grading per project specifications.
• Oversee foundation preparation, earthwork operations, and excavation safety.
• Coordinate geotechnical testing (e.g., soil density, moisture content, bearing capacity) and review lab results.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical design parameters and identify potential subsurface risks.

Construction Inspection

• Perform on‑site QA material testing (concrete field/strength and soils) per MoDOT Technician Certification Program and ITP requirements.
• Ensure compliance with MoDOT Engineering Policy Guide, Standard Specifications, MUTCD, and all relevant contract documents.
• Conduct pre‑construction existing‑conditions surveys (photos/video).
• Coordinate preconstruction and ongoing project meetings with contractors and MoDOT.
• Prepare and maintain order records, pay estimates, daily reports, material documentation, and general project correspondence.
• Generate and process change orders and manage construction records using AASHTOWare Projects.
• Maintain communication with contractors and MoDOT; enforce contract requirements and address specification conflicts promptly.
• Manage customer call reports, including timely response, follow‑up, documentation, and closure in MoDOT’s system.
• Produce final record drawings in Bluebeam
• Conduct wage‑rate interviews, CUF reviews, bulletin‑board checks, traffic control inspections, and payroll verification per EPG requirements.
• Complete MoDOT Land Disturbance training, perform erosion‑control inspections, and enter reports into MoDOT’s stormwater database.
• Document contractor progress, weather delays, and provide performance updates as requested.
• Schedule/cancel work‑zone law enforcement and track enforcement hours.
• Manage lane closure notifications and entries in MoDOT’s Traffic Management System (TMS).
• Evaluate and administer Value Engineering Change Proposals per MoDOT guidelines.
• Oversee punch‑list completion and lead final project inspection.

Site Management & Safety

• Supervise all on-site activities to ensure work is completed safely within compliance of OSHA and company safety standards, on time, and within budget; conduct daily safety briefings

Quality Assurance

• Inspect work for adherence to plans, specifications, and geotechnical standards.
• Coordinate with Quality Control teams for testing and inspections. #LI-LM1236
• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Previous experience in construction quality control with emphasis on geotechnical aspects (earthwork, foundations, soil testing).
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, foundation design, and geotechnical testing procedures.
• Familiarity with building codes, inspection processes, and safety standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft OneNote and other project documentation tools.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Missouri.
• Experience with ASTM, MoDOT and AASHTO geotechnical testing standards.
• Knowledge of subsurface investigation techniques and risk mitigation strategies. Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.

Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.