PDA Engineer

Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) Engineer

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.

The Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) Engineer will be working on-site with contractors to collect data during the pile driving process as the foundation elements are being constructed on large FDOT bridges. The ideal candidate is a reliable, trustworthy individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment where collaboration and autonomy are valued.

Responsibilities

• Performs or monitors dynamic load tests or PDA (Pile Driving Analyzer) on concrete or steel piles to evaluate the shaft integrity, driving stresses, and hammer energy in the field.
• Strains transducers and accelerometers are connected to the pilings, and a full array of parameters, including capacity, stresses, pile integrity, hammer energy, and stroke height are monitored for every blow during installation.
• Utilizes data to perform various forms of analyses to determine specific soil parameters (such as quake and damping values) with signal matching software and wave equation software to model the hammer/ soil interface and create driving criteria for remaining production piles.
• Provides lateral earth pressure design parameters to aid the structural engineer in the design of retaining earth structures.
• Ensures that all work is completed in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Attends project meetings with clients to guarantee project specifications are being met.
• Completes daily time and labor reports in accordance with company policy.
• Turns in required paperwork daily.
• Regular attendance is required. Must be flexible to changing schedules and hours to support business needs. Overnight and weekend schedules may be necessary to support business needs.
• Follows all company safety procedures and policies.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in civil, geotechnical, mechanical, geology, or similar, from a four-year college or university; one to two years of experience and/or training.

Proficiency in using programs such as AutoCAD, Slope/W, Seep/W, Allpile WEAP, and Finite Element Method in Geo-Structure.

Valid driver’s license, with acceptable driving record.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to read and understand construction blueprints, and both technical and operational information.

Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Basic Microsoft Office skills.

Able to work independently and as part of a team with a focus on producing high-quality work.

Ability to read, write, and interpret blueprints, procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports.

Travel Requirements

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.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.

The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:

• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• 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).

EEO Statement

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

ID 2025-2480

Position Type Full-Time

Location US-FL-Jacksonville