Geotechnical Instrumentation Engineer

MRCE Profile

MRCE, founded in 1910, is an award winning engineering firm that is recognized as an industry leader in geotechnical and foundation engineering. The firm consults on a wide range of projects worldwide, including large scale public works such as bridges and tunnels to private development including high rise structures and deep basements.

Over its more than 110 year history, MRCE continues to build on its extensive experience with complex geotechnical conditions and specialized geotechnical construction methods. Engineers, architects, developers, contractors, lawyers, and public agencies rely on MRCE expertise, to define geotechnical issues and provide designs to meet project needs. Our Services extend well beyond the geotechnical site definition role to include complete foundation and excavation designs, contract drawings, instrumentation, and construction inspection services.

Consistently ranked among Engineering News Record’s top 500 firms, MRCE retains the best talent in the industry by fostering a unique learning environment for its engineers. Over 130 geotechnical and structural engineers, laboratory technicians, and CAD Designers work readily across three offices: New York City (headquarters), Arlington, Virginia/Washington DC, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Collaboration is at the heart of the MRCE practice, whether it is with our distinguished retired Principals (Technical Consultants) who provide invaluable first-hand experience and knowledge, with our diverse engineering staff, with our network of specialty contractors, or most important, with our clients.

Job Description

MRCE is searching for an Instrumentation Engineer ready to kickstart their career with a leading engineering consulting company in New York City. The Instrumentation Engineer supports MRCE design and construction projects with instrumentation to measure construction performance or condition behavior and performs field testing on construction sites. They are responsible for planning, assembly and installation; troubleshooting; and remote data collection, interpretation, and setup of web-based data plots for reporting. At MRCE, we are dedicated to combining your academic training with engineering judgment to provide a solid engineering experience. These experiences will give you a comprehensive understanding of high-tech design and realistic construction methods and requirements, ensuring your professional growth and success in the field.

Instruments include automated total stations, seismographs, tilt meters, strain gages, piezometers, etc. Instrument installation requires working on active construction sites and in subway tunnels. MRCE will provide safety training required for site access and safe site work.

Job Responsibilities

Instrumentation Preparation and Maintenance

• Work in our instrument lab to prepare and assemble instruments for site installation.
• Maintain and test instrumentation equipment.
• Troubleshoot instruments, as needed.
• Conduct preventive maintenance to remediate existing or potential issues.

Field Work

• Work under supervision of design engineers or project managers.
• Conduct site visits for instrumentation installation reconnaissance
• Mobilize materials and equipment to sites and install equipment.
• Set up instruments and communications for remote operations.
• Perform pre and post-condition surveys of buildings and structures;
• Troubleshoot and repair malfunctions.
• Exhibit safe work habits.

Reporting and Data Management

• Prepare field reports and sketches summarizing pre/post condition surveys, instrument installation and construction progress.
• Setup data plots and review data to evaluate changes with time and construction progress.

Work Location and Schedule Requirements

• Flexible for working in office /lab and at field sites on a long term, daily, or rotational basis.
• Be available to work evenings and weekends to meet project demands

Travel Requirements

• Travel locally by public transportation, or with vehicle for equipment transport.
• Travel long-distance by air or train; overnight stays.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required by individuals accepting employment for this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. MRCE has authority to change or assign other duties to the Instrumentation Engineer role.

Typical Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Navigate job site/field environment as well as an office environment.
• Remain either stationary for extended periods (for instance, in a chair or vehicle), or move often (for instance, walking through a job site), depending on project needs.
• Lift and carry equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Position self in a stooping, kneeling, or crouching manner and climb ladders and stairs for reading instruments.
• Navigate uneven ground and footing conditions (for example, soil/gravel/ mud footing, riprap and slopes, rugged terrain).
• Work in varying weather conditions (for example, cold, hot, rain, snow).
• Wear gloves, use hands, handle or feel objects, tools, machinery and computers.
• Communicate with others; exchange information accurately.
• Operate a computer.
• Operate specialized equipment and instruments.
• Work in varying noise levels in the construction work environment.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical from an ABET/EAC accredited program;

• 0-5 years of experience in a similar role;
• Professional Engineer or Engineer in Training or registered for PE/FE examination;
• Readiness to spend a majority of time in the field for short or long-term projects;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Capable of working independently and collaborating with team;
• Capable of professionally representing themselves and the company on sites and with clients.
• Use of hand and power tools.
• Licensed to operate a car or van for equipment transport.
• General knowledge of electrical systems, wireless communication, computer networking, or land surveying a plus.

MRCE supports professional development, encourages extracurricular technical activities, and Professional Engineering registration. The firm offers competitive salaries, overtime pay, 10 paid holidays and vacation leave, maternal/paternal leave, medical benefits including dental and vision, life insurance, referral program, Transit Check, a 401(k) contribution, and additional benefits to full time employees. MRCE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons.

MRCE is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

Base Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000. Actual compensation may vary based on related work experience, market conditions, education/training, certifications and credentials. This position is eligible for straight-time overtime and participation in the firm's annual bonus and performance review program. Bonuses are discretionary and based on individual job performance and the profitability of the firm.