Project Geotechnical Engineer in Nashville, Tennessee at Athena Engineering and Environmental LLC

COMPANY OVERVIEW
Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC (Athena), headquartered just outside vibrant Nashville, Tennessee, is a growing woman-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm delivering innovative solutions nationwide. Our multidisciplinary expertise includes geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, ecological services, water resources, land surveying, and Value Engineering.

We proudly serve federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as transportation, energy, industrial, water, and commercial clients. By combining technical excellence with innovation and collaboration, we help our clients solve complex infrastructure challenges and deliver projects that create lasting value.

From major transportation corridors and energy developments to dams, levees, bridges, airfields, and critical public infrastructure, Athena's geotechnical professionals provide the expertise needed to support safe, resilient, and sustainable communities.

LOCATION and TRAVEL
Location: Goodlettsville (Nashville), Tennessee preferred. Hybrid work opportunities may be considered for highly qualified candidates.
Travel: Approximately 15–25% domestic travel is expected for field investigations, drilling oversight, construction observation, and site visits.

JOB OVERVIEW
Athena is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

We are seeking a motivated Project Geotechnical Engineer to manage and support geotechnical engineering projects throughout the United States.

This position is ideal for an engineer ready to take ownership of projects while continuing to grow technically and professionally. The successful candidate will manage geotechnical investigations, perform engineering analyses, prepare technical reports, coordinate with clients, and support multidisciplinary project teams from proposal through construction.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who enjoys balancing technical engineering, project coordination, client interaction, and mentoring junior staff.
PURPOSE
The Project Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for managing and delivering geotechnical engineering projects while maintaining technical excellence, quality, safety, budget performance, and client satisfaction.

This role combines technical engineering with project management responsibilities, including planning investigations, preparing reports, coordinating project teams, supporting proposals, communicating with clients, and mentoring junior engineers and field staff.

MAJOR TASKS
Technical Engineering & Project Management
• Plan and manage geotechnical investigations for transportation, commercial, energy, water resources, and public infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate drilling programs, laboratory testing, field exploration, and construction observation activities.
• Perform geotechnical analyses for shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, embankments, slopes, pavements, and earthwork.
• Prepare geotechnical engineering reports, technical memoranda, specifications, proposals, and cost estimates.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budgets, deliverables, and quality throughout project execution.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, subcontractors, and internal multidisciplinary teams.
• Support construction-phase engineering services, including review of field conditions, testing results, and contractor submittals.
• Review technical work prepared by staff engineers and provide guidance during project execution.
• Mentor Staff Geotechnical Engineers, geologists, and field personnel.
• Assist senior leadership with proposal preparation, client development, and business development initiatives.
• Collaborate with Athena's environmental, ecological, water resources, surveying, and engineering teams.
• Promote Athena's commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
• Manage assigned geotechnical engineering projects from planning through completion.
• Coordinate project resources and technical activities under the direction of senior engineering leadership.
• Communicate directly with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Recommend technical solutions, project schedules, staffing, and resource needs.
• Exercise independent engineering judgment appropriate to experience and licensure.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Minimum 5–8 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience managing geotechnical engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, retaining structures, earthwork, and slope stability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Experience with transportation, federal, military, dams, or energy projects.
• Experience with USACE, DOT, municipalities, or public-sector clients.
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification.
• Experience with GeoStudio, LPILE, OpenGround, gINT, and Microsoft Office.
• Proposal preparation and client relationship experience.

WHY JOIN ATHENA?
Build Projects. Expand Your Expertise. Grow Your Career

This position offers the opportunity to manage meaningful projects while continuing to develop your technical and leadership abilities within a collaborative and growing consulting firm.

At Athena, you'll have the opportunity to:
• Manage impactful transportation, water, energy, and infrastructure projects.
• Apply advanced geotechnical engineering principles to challenging projects.
• Build strong client relationships while expanding your project management experience.
• Mentor junior engineers and help develop Athena's technical team.
• Collaborate across engineering, environmental, ecological, surveying, and water resources disciplines.
• Continue your professional growth through challenging work and leadership opportunities.
• Join a collaborative culture focused on innovation, integrity, and technical excellence.

BENEFITS
• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Continuing education and licensure support
• Retirement plan

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Ready to help clients maximize value while shaping the future of infrastructure?
Join Athena Engineering and Environmental and become part of a growing team that's committed to technical excellence, innovation, and making a lasting impact. We look forward to learning how your expertise can help drive our continued success.