Design - Assistant Civil Engineer in North East

Working at Avove is more than just a job. You’ll have opportunities to grow your career, supported by full training, ongoing development, and benefits that recognise great work. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves. Join us and take the next step toward a rewarding career. We know our work has a real impact on society and the environment. By delivering resilient, tailored infrastructure solutions, we help keep water running, energy flowing, and communities connected. What we do matters—and you can be part of it.

About the role: Due to continued growth, Avove is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join our design team. In this role, you will support the GEO team across a variety of early-stage and site-based activities. This position offers hands-on experience, opportunities for technical development, and valuable exposure to real project delivery.

Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 Depending on experience

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting with Desk Study Reports, including background research and data review.
• Supporting the review of Factual Ground Investigation Reports to identify key ground conditions and risks.
• Working with AGS data to aid interpretation and reporting.
• Producing CAD drawings such as geological cross-sections and project-specific figures.
• Attending site visits for preliminary assessments and GI kick-off meetings.
• Carrying out groundwater and ground-gas monitoring, including sampling across active sites.
• Supporting site works such as trial pitting, CBR testing, and hand shear vane testing.
• Assisting with ground modelling tasks using Plaxis 2D and GEO Studio, including basic numerical modelling and soil behaviour interpretation.
• Contributing to Interpretative Ground Investigation Reports (GIRs), including synthesising data and identifying geotechnical risks.
• Assisting with geotechnical calculations such as settlement, uplift, earth pressures, and bearing capacity.
• Gaining exposure to retaining wall and structural checks using Tekla Tedds to support design validation and early-stage engineering solutions.
• Inspections and supervision during ground investigations, sampling and filling Chain of Custody for geotechnical laboratory testing.
• Design shallow foundations, retaining walls, slopes, and ground improvement schemes in accordance with Eurocode 7 and client specifications.
• Collaborate with civil, structural, and environmental engineers to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards in all design activities.
• Contribute to technical reviews, innovation initiatives, and mentoring of junior staff.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software and design tools.
• Effective communication and collaboration across disciplines.
• Ability to manage time, priorities, and deliverables in a project environment.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and chartership (ICE/CEng, CGeol).

Required Qualifications:

• BEng or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering (with geotechnical focus), or related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in geotechnical design or consultancy.
• Working knowledge of UK geotechnical standards and Eurocode 7.

What’s it in for you:

• We offer a rewarding salary that is tailored to your skills and experience.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Family friendly policies.
• A selection of lifestyle benefit options.
• Financial wellbeing programme.
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues.
• Volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving.
• Rewards initiative for achieving recognised professional qualifications.

About us: We design, build and maintain the UK’s utilities infrastructure to help transform local communities for the better. We provide cutting-edge and sustainable engineering solutions and play a critical role in helping to keep the water running, the lights on and people connected. We are an expert, responsible and agile partner, providing vital services to water and power sectors. We work closely with our clients to help protect and improve their assets, enhance customer experience and protect the natural environment. Everything we do is designed to drive continual improvement and move life forward. We are proud to work in partnership with leading utility providers.

We are an equal opportunities employer: We welcome applications from candidates of all races, genders, disabilities, religions, ages and sexual orientations. We know that having a diverse workforce encourages new perspectives, inspires creativity and creates an engaging workplace and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues can thrive.

What next: We encourage you to apply for this role as soon as you can. We recognise talent waits for no one, so we progress candidates individually through all stages of recruitment process. If you have any questions, please reach out for an informal discussion.