Substrata · 1 month ago
Geotechnical Engineer – Soil Stabilization & Product Approvals
Substrata is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to be the technical backbone for their soil stabilization product, Perma-Zyme. The role involves hands-on lab work, onsite project support, and technical approval work to ensure the product meets specifications and is included in major project vendor lists.
Building MaterialChemical
Responsibilities
Travel to project sites to oversee the application of Perma-Zyme, ensuring it is applied correctly and in line with project specifications
Train and supervise contractors, equipment operators, and internal team members on proper installation and quality standards
Log and document onsite activities for quality assurance, including site conditions, application rates, and any issues encountered
Log and categorize soil samples collected onsite for further lab analysis
Serve as a technical resource onsite, answering geotechnical questions from contractors, clients, and engineers
Lead and coordinate soil testing and mix design work within the lab, including strength, compaction, and other relevant geotechnical tests
Attend soil evaluation / geotechnical meetings and interpret lab results for both internal stakeholders and external partners
Work closely with the materials tester and lab technician to ensure Substrata’s products meet key performance metrics and testing requirements
Help design and refine soil mix designs to meet project- and state-specific performance criteria
Support equipment selection, servicing, and optimization to expand the lab’s testing capabilities over time
Lead efforts to get Perma-Zyme approved on state DOT and other governmental approved product lists (e.g., DOT, BLM, military, counties)
Coordinate required third-party testing, including university or independent lab studies (e.g., working with institutions like Texas A&M and similar partners)
Interpret DOT and agency specifications, identify required tests, and create a plan to meet or exceed those criteria
Prepare and maintain technical documentation, test reports, and submittal packages for state, municipal, and large private projects
Support Substrata in getting Perma-Zyme specified by large geotechnical engineering firms and included as a standard option in their design packages
Partner with the sales team to land larger, more complex projects (e.g., major warehouses, data centers, infrastructure projects) by providing geotechnical expertise
Participate in lunch-and-learns, technical presentations, and project meetings with geotechnical engineering firms, owners, and contractors
Help identify where Perma-Zyme can replace or supplement traditional methods (e.g., concrete stabilization) and quantify performance / cost benefits
Collaborate with marketing to develop technical content: blogs, case studies, white papers, and data summaries that highlight lab and field results
Act as a key advisor on how to grow and evolve the soil lab, including recommending new testing equipment, procedures, and standards
Work closely with operations, sales, and leadership to shape the technical roadmap for Perma-Zyme and related products
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering discipline
Geotechnical emphasis or experience strongly preferred (e.g., work in a geotechnical engineering firm or geotechnical group)
Experience with soil testing, foundation/roadway subgrade evaluation, or soil stabilization
Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications, test standards, and DOT / agency requirements
Strong attention to detail, documentation, and follow-through—comfortable handling detailed approval processes and test submittals
Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak confidently with engineers, contractors, and government agencies
Preferred
Prior experience working at a geotechnical engineering firm supporting developers, contractors, or DOTs
Experience participating in or leading DOT, municipal, or large owner approvals for construction materials or methods
Familiarity with third-party/university testing programs and associated reporting
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or eligibility to pursue it in the future is a plus, but not required at hire
Benefits
Additional earning potential through bonuses tied to KPIs (e.g., approvals achieved, key projects supported).
Significant opportunity for career growth as Substrata expands its lab, testing capabilities, and geographic reach—potential to build and lead a small technical team over time.