Associate Geotechnical Engineer

AKT II’s outstanding reputation, stability and growth has attracted the very best professionals with the promise of progressing and expanding their careers. This continued growth has led to the expansion of the company into key geographies across the globe: Cambridge, Manchester and Bristol in the UK, as well as Copenhagen and Toronto internationally. We are therefore expanding our London studio.

We are seeking a highly motivated Chartered Geotechnical Engineer to join our geotechnical engineering group at Associate level, reporting to a Management Director. The role will involve supporting the management and delivery of geotechnical engineering projects, including providing technical leadership to project teams. You will have strong experience in the design and project management of geotechnical schemes, ideally gained on large-scale infrastructure or construction projects, and a sound understanding of the construction industry. You will be responsible for managing the design phase, including programme delivery, financial control, and coordination of the design process. Experience in mentoring or line management of engineers is desirable. You will also demonstrate sound commercial awareness and the ability to contribute effectively to key project and business decisions.

The role and responsibilities

• Liaise with project team leaders to plan, forecast, and manage the workload of the geotechnical team, ensuring resources are aligned with project requirements.
• Provide internal project management support, including resource planning and coordination across multiple commissions.
• Take responsibility for the specialist geotechnical engineering elements of projects from bid stage through to completion, including attendance at client meetings and interviews to present and discuss geotechnical approaches.
• Work closely with the wider multidisciplinary design team and supervise the preparation of detailed designs and specifications to meet agreed design and construction programmes.
• Provide strategic oversight and technical review of third-party impact assessments involving ground movement analysis, whilst developing related skills and technical capability within the geotechnical team.
• Assist with resource monitoring, quality control, and the successful delivery of projects.
• Contribute to bids for new project opportunities, including attending interviews and supporting the development of geotechnical proposals.
• Undertake and manage the delivery of impact assessments affecting utilities, infrastructure, and third-party structures, including planning appropriate ground movement analyses and applying relevant assessment procedures and criteria.
• Prepare option studies for basement and foundation designs and lead their development through to construction, including attendance at project and client meetings, contributions to end‑of‑stage design reports, preparation of specifications, and review of calculations and drawings.
• Report regularly to the Technical Director, ensuring accurate and timely communication of key project deliverables and outcomes.
• Assist in the preparation of geotechnical fee proposals, with support from the Management Directors.
• Promote strong team communication to support effective knowledge sharing across the wider practice.
• Support and actively participate in AKT II’s technical agenda and professional development activities.
• Comply with responsibilities set out in the Group’s Health, Safety & Environment Policy and ensure adherence across the team.

Required skills

• Strong technical expertise in geotechnical analysis and design across a range of ground conditions, including shallow and deep foundations, piled rafts, retaining walls, deep excavations, dewatering, and slope stability.
• Extensive experience with London ground conditions; wider UK or international experience is an advantage.
• Proficient in industry‑standard geotechnical software, including PLAXIS 2D/3D, PDisp, XDisp, and WALLAP; Python or scripting skills are beneficial.
• Experienced in specifying and managing site investigations, and producing high‑quality interpretative and design reports.
• Proven capability in delivering third‑party impact assessments affecting utilities, infrastructure, and adjacent structures, including ground movement analysis.
• Experience preparing foundation and basement option studies and developing designs through to construction, with active involvement in design team and client meetings.
• Confident contributor to bid submissions and client interviews, able to clearly communicate geotechnical risk and design approach.

Qualifications and experience

• Degree in Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng MIStructE / MICE or equivalent).
• Proven leadership experience in the management and delivery of geotechnical design for major building projects across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong appreciation of constructability and its influence on foundation and geotechnical design solutions.
• Well‑rounded practitioner with a strong understanding of multidisciplinary building design, able to work collaboratively with architects and other construction professionals from concept through to construction.
• Sound knowledge of relevant design standards, including Eurocodes and applicable British Standards.
• Demonstrable experience engaging effectively with clients, designers, contractors, and builders, contributing to high‑quality technical delivery and the development of strong client relationships.
• Ability to proactively identify, manage, and resolve technical and operational challenges to deliver complex, high‑value projects successfully.

What's in it for you

The chance to work for an innovative, design‑led studio based in London with the opportunity to work on some of the very best projects across Scandinavia, Europe and internationally, plus a friendly, dedicated team and a competitive salary. You’ll receive AKT II’s many employee benefits including a vibrant social calendar, with many company‑funded events and activities.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. AKT II is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all communities.