Staff Engineer Staff Engineer Universal Engineering Sciences In-person · Knoxville, TN, US abou

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at

As a Staff Engineer, you will be responsible for planning, designing, and directing engineering testing projects such as predevelopment, geotechnical design, and when necessary, civil design support.

• Calculates cost and determines feasibility of project based on analysis of collected data.
• Analyzes reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, tests, and aerial photographs on soil composition, terrain, hydrological characteristics, and other topographical and geologic data to plan and design project.
• Prepares or directs preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, testing schedules and designs for project.
• Inspects construction site to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering test plans, specifications, and safety standards.
• Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
• Directs, where necessary, various activities at projects sites

• Engineering Intern (E.I.) Certification
• Ability to earn P.E. (Professional Engineer)
• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in civil or geotechnical engineering from a four-year college or university; one to two years related experience and/or training
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and working with project teams.
• Basic understanding of construction methods, site safety, and environmental regulations is helpful.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in both field and office environments and travel to project sites as needed.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative mindset.

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
  • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
  • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vision, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
  • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement here.