Junior Geotechnical Engineer

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Website https://talentali.com/

Junior Geotechnical Engineer

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

Experience Level: Emerging Professional (1–3 Years)

Clean Professional Job Summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Junior Geotechnical Engineer to join its specialized Geotechnical Team in Calgary. This role is designed for an emerging professional who possesses a foundational understanding of soil mechanics and regional construction practices. You will support a diverse range of high-profile projects—spanning transportation, energy, and infrastructure—by coordinating field investigations, performing technical assessments, and managing subcontractor relationships. This position offers a unique balance of field-based inspection and office-based numerical modeling, providing a comprehensive platform to accelerate your professional engineering career within a world-class consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Field Leadership & Supervision: Coordinate and lead geotechnical site investigations; supervise subcontractors and provide on-the-spot technical resolutions to maintain project timelines.

  • Technical Analysis: Utilize industry-standard specialized software—including GeoStudio, Rocscience, and PLAXIS—to undertake geotechnical assessments and stability modeling.

  • Construction Monitoring: Conduct rigorous field inspections to monitor construction activities, ensuring compliance with design reports and materials testing objectives (soil, concrete, and asphalt).

  • Design & Reporting: Analyze subsurface data to prepare technical recommendations and reports for foundation design, shoring, retaining walls, slope stability, and road structures.

  • Quality Control Guidance: Provide technical troubleshooting and guidance for materials testing, ensuring all quality control parameters meet AtkinsRéalis standards.

  • Project Support: Contribute to the development of project proposals and cost estimates, assisting in the pursuit of new business opportunities and scope expansions.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Academic Credentials: Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Geological, Civil (with a geotechnical focus), or Geotechnical Engineering.

  • Professional Status: Currently registered (or eligible for immediate registration) with APEGA as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

  • Industry Experience: 1–3 years of relevant geotechnical engineering experience post-graduation.

  • Soft Skills: Exceptional aptitude for coordination, conflict resolution, and managing subcontractor relationships in dynamic environments.

  • Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of regional soil types, materials testing, and standard construction drawings.

  • Logistics: Valid Canadian driver’s license with a clean abstract, capable of traveling to various project sites across Alberta.

About the Company

AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin) is a global leader in engineering services and nuclear organization, connecting people, data, and technology to transform infrastructure and energy systems. In Canada, the firm is renowned for its “Pivoting to Growth” strategy, focusing on sustainable engineering solutions and high-profile multidisciplinary projects. The Calgary geotechnical team is a critical component of this mission, contributing to major Western Canadian infrastructure and carbon-reduction initiatives. AtkinsRéalis fosters an “ownership culture” through employee share purchase plans and is consistently recognized as a top employer for its commitment to professional development and diversity.

Market & Industry Context

In 2026, the geotechnical sector in Alberta is increasingly defined by the integration of Digital Twin technology and advanced numerical modeling to predict soil behavior under changing climate conditions.

Calgary serves as a strategic hub for geotechnical expertise, particularly as the province invests heavily in transportation infrastructure and renewable energy storage projects (such as dikes and dams for pumped hydro). For a Junior Engineer, mastering tools like PLAXIS and GeoStudio is no longer optional; it is the primary differentiator in the 2026 job market. AtkinsRéalis prioritizes “Emerging Professionals” who can bridge the gap between traditional field-site data collection and sophisticated digital analysis.

Career Growth & Progression Path

  • Professional Engineer (P.Eng.): Attain full licensure through APEGA with the support of AtkinsRéalis’ mentorship and professional development programs.

  • Odyssey Program Graduate: Early-career professionals may participate in the Odyssey program, an 18-month journey designed to equip engineers with vital leadership and technical tools.

  • Senior Geotechnical Designer: Transition into a specialized design role, leading complex numerical modeling for multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects.

  • Project Management: Move into the administrative and strategic side of engineering, managing project budgets, client relationships, and multi-disciplinary teams.

Interview Preparation Insights

  • Subcontractor Management: Be prepared to describe a specific time you managed a conflict or a scheduling dispute with a contractor on a job site. AtkinsRéalis highly values “on-the-spot” resolution skills.

  • Software Literacy: You will likely be asked about your specific experience level with GeoStudio (Slope/W, Seep/W) or Rocscience. Be ready to discuss a model you’ve built or analyzed.

  • Field Safety & Ethics: As a junior lead, you are the eyes and ears on-site. Prepare to discuss how you balance the pressure of a construction schedule with the absolute necessity of safety and technical accuracy.

  • Alberta Geology: Review typical soil profiles and geotechnical challenges specific to the Calgary region (e.g., glacial tills, high-plasticity clays).

Estimated Salary Insight

  • Market Estimate Based on Similar Roles: $74,000 – $89,500 per year (CAD).

  • Note: AtkinsRéalis typically pays approximately 12% above the national average for EIT roles. Total compensation often includes performance-based incentives and a competitive matching pension plan (up to 5%).

Work Environment & Location Insights

The role is based in Calgary, AB, but offers a hybrid working culture that balances office-based analysis with significant field exposure.

  • Field Conditions: Expect to spend time on-site in various weather conditions, supervising drilling programs and construction monitoring.

  • Corporate Culture: You will join a “Global Mobility” environment where there are opportunities to work internationally (up to 20 days per year) or transfer to other global offices.

  • Wellness Focus: Employees have access to the “Thrive” wellbeing program, which includes mental health practitioner benefits of up to $1,000 per year.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

AtkinsRéalis is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities. Hiring decisions are based on merit and the specific requirements of the role, in alignment with Canadian labor standards and privacy regulations.

Category Details & Specifications
Employer AtkinsRéalis 
Location Calgary, AB (with provincial/national travel)
Salary Estimate $75,000 – $92,000 CAD (Market average for EITs in Calgary)
Education Req. Bachelor’s or Advanced degree (Geological, Civil, or Geotech)
Experience Req. 1–3 years relevant industry experience post-graduation
Professional Status Registered or eligible for APEGA Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
Software Skills GeoStudio, Rocscience, PLAXIS
Field Requirements Valid Canadian Driver’s License; clean abstract
Work Model Hybrid working culture

Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs)

This role acts as a bridge between technical design and on-site construction oversight.

  • Field & Site Supervision: Coordinate geotechnical investigations, conduct inspections, and monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with design reports.

  • Sub-contractor Management: Act as the lead for on-site conflict resolution and schedule coordination with sub-contractors.

  • Geotechnical Modeling: Perform complex assessments using industry-standard software to model soil behavior and slope stability.

  • Materials Testing QC: Troubleshoot and provide guidance on quality control for soil, concrete, and asphalt testing.

  • Design & Reporting: Contribute to foundation design, shoring, retaining walls, and dikes/dams through detailed technical analysis.

Specialized Software Suite

As a Junior Engineer, you will be expected to master several core modeling environments:

  • GeoStudio: Used for modeling slope stability (SLOPE/W) and groundwater flow (SEEP/W).

  • Rocscience: Critical for rock mechanics, settlement analysis (Settle3), and excavation design.

  • PLAXIS: Employed for advanced 2D and 3D finite element analysis of soil and rock deformation.

Rewards & Total Compensation

AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin) provides a comprehensive corporate benefits package:

  • Professional Growth: Internal “Odyssey” program for new graduates and tuition subsidies (up to $1,400/year).

  • Retirement: Defined contribution (DC) pension with employer matching up to 5%.

  • Time Off: Typically includes 3 weeks of vacation plus personal/sick days and “generous” time-off policies.

  • Flexible Mobility: International remote work program (work from another country for up to 20 days/year).

  • Health: Flexible benefits including mental health coverage (up to $1,000/year) and 92% employer-paid premiums.

To apply for this job please visit careers.atkinsrealis.com.