GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER

About Fairhurst LLP -Fairhurst LLP is one of the UK's largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships.

Role Overview -The Geotechnical Engineer plays a key role in assessing ground conditions, providing geotechnical design solutions, and supporting the successful delivery of infrastructure, building, and environmental projects. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the role involves undertaking site investigations, analysing soil and rock behaviour, preparing technical reports, and contributing to the safe, efficient, and sustainable design of foundations, earthworks, retaining structures, and other geotechnical elements. The role requires strong technical capability, attention to detail, and effective communication with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical & Design

• Undertake geotechnical analysis and design including foundations, earthworks, retaining structures, slope stability, ground improvement, and soil-structure interaction.
• Contribute to ground investigation planning, sampling strategies, and interpretation of geotechnical data.
• Analyse laboratory and in situ testing data to determine geotechnical parameters.
• Prepare high quality technical reports, design summaries, risk assessments, and design calculations.
• Use relevant geotechnical modelling software (e.g., GeoStudio, PLAXIS, or equivalent) to support design decisions.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, guidance, and best practice.

Project Management

• Support project delivery by assisting with planning, resourcing, and coordination of geotechnical tasks.
• Monitor progress, risks, and programme constraints to maintain timely delivery.
• Contribute to cost estimates, proposals, and technical scopes.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and follow internal governance procedures.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate geotechnical findings and design recommendations clearly to internal teams, clients, and external partners.
• Attend client meetings, site visits, and project workshops as required.
• Build positive working relationships and contribute to collaborative project environments.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all work meets required quality standards and complies with health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Promote and apply best practice in geotechnical design and investigation.
• Assist in developing and maintaining quality assurance procedures, documentation, and technical standards.
• Support the development of graduate engineers and technicians through knowledge sharing and on the job guidance.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Lead small work packages or tasks where appropriate under the guidance of senior staff.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, or a related discipline.
• MSc in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology (desirable).
• Working toward or holding professional accreditation (e.g., ICE, IOM3, or similar).

Experience

• Experience in geotechnical design and/or site investigation (graduate to intermediate levels acceptable depending on role).
• Understanding of soil and rock mechanics, geotechnical modelling, and UK ground conditions.
• Experience preparing technical reports and analysing geotechnical data.
• Familiarity with industry standards, design codes, and relevant software tools.
• Site based experience such as supervising ground investigations or logging soil/rock samples (advantageous).

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with a logical and methodical approach.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Adaptable, proactive, and committed to delivering high quality outcomes.
• A strong interest in geotechnical engineering and continuous professional development.

Full UK driving licence (desirable depending on role requirements).

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A collaborative, partner led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
• Career and professional development and opportunities on high profile projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
• A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value adding engineering.
• Competitive salary and excellent flexible benefits package
• Contributory pension, personal health care plan and life insurance
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy-back scheme
• Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus and qualifications award
• Interest free travel loan

You can learn more about our staff benefitshere.

ETHOS

We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That's why we're working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry.

We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to stating the role and office you are applying to. For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website .