Buckhorn Engineering Inc. offers a collaborative, growth-oriented environment in Montrose, Colorado, with an emphasis on practical engineering solutions and strong client service. Our in-house geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory enables integrated analysis from investigation through construction, helping you deliver well-supported recommendations. This onsite, full-time Geotechnical Engineer role provides exposure to a diverse mix of design, field investigations, project leadership, and client coordination, within a salary range of USD 85,000 to 120,000 per year. Candidates typically bring 3 to 10 years of geotechnical experience and hold a ABET-accredited degree in civil, geological, or geotechnical engineering.
Benefits
- 401(k) match
- HSA or Wellness Plan
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
Responsibilities
- Perform geotechnical analyses and calculations for civil and structural design projects.
- Assist with project management, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination.
- Prepare proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates, and project correspondence.
- Model and analyze geotechnical conditions, including slope stability, foundation design, settlement, and earth-retention considerations.
- Plan and conduct geotechnical field investigations, including drilling observation, test pit logging, sampling, and instrumentation monitoring.
- Coordinate with our in-house geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory to support project needs.
- Coordinate with clients, contractors, government agencies, and other design professionals.
- Visit construction sites to observe conditions, monitor quality, and evaluate progress.
- Prepare, review, and edit geotechnical reports, construction specifications, and technical recommendations.
- Apply sound engineering judgment and professional discretion in all tasks.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in civil, geological, or geotechnical engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- 3–10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering or a closely related field.
- Engineer-in-Training certification or Professional Engineer licensure preferred; Colorado PE licensure strongly preferred for more senior candidates.
- Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to travel to project sites, including areas with mountainous terrain and seasonal driving conditions.
- Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Technologies
- GSTABL
- SLOPE/W
- LPILE
- Microsoft Word
- Outlook
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Project
About the role
We seek a Geotechnical Engineer to join our Western Colorado team. This role suits an engineer who enjoys a blend of technical design, field investigation, project management, client coordination, and construction support. You will support a wide range of civil, structural, transportation, utility, and development projects by performing geotechnical analyses, coordinating field investigations, preparing engineering reports, and delivering practical recommendations to clients and internal teams. The in-house laboratory environment enhances collaboration and allows integrated guidance from investigation through construction.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience in Western Colorado or similar mountainous/intermountain geologic conditions.
- Current Colorado Professional Engineer license or ability to obtain licensure in Colorado.
- Experience with geotechnical investigations for roads, bridges, buildings, pipelines, powerlines, dams, retaining structures, and related infrastructure.
- Familiarity with expansive clays, elastic silts, collapsible soils, rock conditions, and practical solutions for challenging subsurface conditions.
- Experience supporting both design-phase and construction-phase geotechnical services.
- Experience coordinating with a geotechnical or construction materials testing laboratory.
Licensing
PE License is preferred.
Work environment
This role involves both office and field work. Field assignments may include observing drilling or excavation activities, collecting soil and rock samples, visiting active construction sites, and coordinating with our in-house materials testing laboratory. Project sites are primarily throughout Western Colorado and surrounding areas, with most locations within a few hours’ drive and occasional longer travel or overnight stays expected.
Life in Montrose
Montrose, Colorado, offers a growing Western Slope lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation and a small-town feel. The area provides good schools, healthcare, dining, and year-round activities. Nearby mountains and public lands support hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, camping, and exploration, making it an appealing place to build a career while enjoying outdoor living.
How to apply
Submit your resume along with a brief cover letter describing your geotechnical engineering experience, licensure status, and relevant project background.
About Buckhorn Engineering Inc.
Buckhorn Engineering Inc. is a growing civil engineering firm focused on delivering high-quality solutions for public and private sector clients. We emphasize technical excellence, responsive client service, and a collaborative environment where professionals can develop and advance their careers.
