At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in geotechnical engineering and contribute to major projects.
- Company: Join Robert Bird Group, a global leader in engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy birthday leave, corporate health insurance, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with opportunities for continuous development.
- Why this job: Shape the built environment and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: On track for a minimum 2:1 degree and eager to learn.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
At Robert Bird Group, we’re passionate about shaping a better world through engineering excellence. We’re a global team of over 700 specialists working across structural, civil, geotechnical, construction engineering, and virtual design & construction (VDC). From the world’s tallest towers to iconic stadiums, we deliver innovative solutions to world-class projects across five continents.
As part of the SJ Group, a global network of built environment specialists, we benefit from the strength and reach of a 16,000-strong collective, while maintaining the agility and culture of a close-knit team. What sets us apart is how we work – with integrity, agility, and collaboration at our core. We back our people to grow, push boundaries, and make a real impact from day one.
Design Your Future: Our Graduate Programme
We believe great engineers are made through real-world experience. That’s why we’ve built a graduate programme that gives you the tools, exposure, and guidance to thrive from day one. Our UK Graduate Programme runs over two years and is designed to help you grow into a well-rounded engineer, equipped to make a real impact. You’ll get a hands-on introduction to consulting engineering, contribute to major projects, collaborate with industry leaders, and take meaningful steps towards your professional goals.
Graduate Geotechnical Engineer – Summary
Part of an award-winning specialist team focused on managing excavation, foundation, and substructure risks in complex urban environments. As a graduate, you’ll gain hands-on experience in:
- Preparing geotechnical desk studies and site constraints sketches
- Undertaking geotechnical design to Eurocode 7
- Designing foundations and retaining walls
- Preparing Ground Investigation specifications and Reports
- Site visits and ground investigations supervision
- Ground movement assessments using 2D and 3D finite element analysis
- Slope stability assessments
- Prepare sketches to deliver engineering solutions to clients
- Monitoring interpretation from site live data
- Asset protection for major infrastructure clients
- Collaborating with structural, construction engineering and civil teams
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) with internal knowledge sharing as well as external events
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver accurate, high-quality design work
- Communicate effectively and work efficiently
- Contribute to a collaborative team environment
- Able to ask questions and raise any concerns in a timely manner
- Commit to chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
We value more than just technical talent – we’re looking for sharp thinkers, strong communicators, and team players who are excited by the idea of shaping the built environment of the future.
You’ll Stand Out If You:
- On track for a minimum 2:1 degree (MEng, BEng, BSc)
- Self-motivated and eager to grow their career
- Adaptable and enthusiastic about learning
- Have permanent UK work rights
- Strong in technical, analytical, and numerical skills
- Effective team players with collaborative spirit
- Open to exploring different disciplines before specialising
- Creative problem-solvers who stay flexible under pressure
- Clear and confident communicators
- Committed to continuous development and learning
Application Process
- Online Application: Find the role that suits you best and complete our short application form. Tailor your CV and tell us what excites you about engineering and joining Robert Bird Group.
- Assessment Day: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an in-person assessment day including group exercises, written tasks, and an introduction to our business.
- Interview: Successful candidates will attend an interview with our team, which may include technical or hypothetical questions and a brief task.
- Offer: We aim to communicate outcomes within 10 working days of the final interview. If successful, we’ll guide you through the next steps to begin your career with us.
What we offer you:
RBG is a growing, fast-paced business which offers birthday leave, corporate health insurance rates, paid parental leave, recognition awards, an active and engaging social club, along with a supportive team environment where healthy lifestyle balance is encouraged.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support—such as receiving the application form in an alternative format—please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team. Your experience throughout the application process is important to us. We welcome feedback on how we can improve and are happy to provide any further information you may need to help you make an informed decision about joining us. If there’s anything more we can do to support you, please let us know, we’re here to help.
Agency
Please note that any unsolicited resumes or CVs submitted through our website or directly to SJ Group employees’ personal email accounts will be considered the property of SJ Group. As such, we will not be liable for any agency fees associated with these submissions. To be recognized as an authorized recruitment agency or search firm for SJ Group, a formal written agreement must be in place. Additionally, agencies must be invited by our Recruitment Team to submit candidates for specific roles. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!
Robert Bird Group - Graduate Geotechnical Engineer Development Programme in London employer: SJ
Robert Bird Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to engage in high-profile projects while supporting their professional growth through mentorship and training. Located in London, the company offers unique benefits such as birthday leave, corporate health insurance rates, and a vibrant social club, all within a supportive environment that prioritises work-life balance and employee wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Robert Bird Group - Graduate Geotechnical Engineer Development Programme in London
✨Get Involved in Local Fieldwork
Join local geoscience clubs or groups that organise fieldwork and excursions. Getting your hands dirty out in the field will not only boost your skills but can help you make connections with professionals in the industry. Plus, local insights can be incredibly valuable as you get to know the area!
✨Attend Geoscience Events and Conferences
Keep an eye out for geoscience conferences, workshops, or seminars happening in your area. These events are fantastic opportunities to learn, ask questions, and meet employers who might be on the lookout for trainees like us. Don’t be shy—make those connections!
✨Leverage University Career Services
Since you’re looking for a trainee position, definitely tap into your university's career services. They often have partnerships with companies and might even know about positions at SJ before they go live. It’s a goldmine for entry-level roles!
✨Showcase Your Passion on Social Media
Start a blog or Instagram page where you share your thoughts on geoscience topics, experiments, or even cool places you’ve visited. It’s a fun way to demonstrate your passion and knowledge, and who knows? Someone at SJ might notice you online, tipping the scales in your favour when they look for trainees!
We think you need these skills to ace Robert Bird Group - Graduate Geotechnical Engineer Development Programme in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your scientific smarts!:When applying for the trainee role in geoscience, make sure your CV highlights relevant coursework, projects, or research you've done in earth sciences. We want to see your passion for geology, meteorology, or environmental science, so don’t hold back on sharing what excites you about these subjects!
Link your learning to real-world experience:If you’ve had any fieldwork, internships, or volunteering in geoscience-related settings, be sure to include that in your application. Highlight specific tasks you did or skills you gained, as this shows us how you're ready to jump into a trainee role with both knowledge and practical experience!
Craft a compelling cover letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re particularly interested in geoscience and how this internship will help you grow. Mention any specific areas you're keen to explore—whether it's climate change, mineralogy, or geology. The more personal, the better!
Keep it concise and relevant:As this is a trainee position, we’re looking for potential and willingness to learn. Keep your CV and cover letter focused and to the point, making sure every detail reinforces your enthusiasm for geoscience. And remember, you can apply directly through our website—easy peasy!
How to prepare for a job interview at SJ
✨Brush Up on Your Earth Science Basics
Before your interview at SJ, make sure you revisit core concepts in geology, physical geography, and environmental science. You might find that they throw you some technical questions related to earth materials or geospatial analysis, so being sharp on these topics will really help.
✨Get Hands-On with Fieldwork Examples
As a trainee in geoscience, you could be asked about your previous experiences with fieldwork or lab techniques. Prepare to share specific examples of any projects or studies you've undertaken—this practical insight can make you stand out as someone who’s ready to get their hands dirty.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As you're entering a trainee role, show SJ that you're keen to absorb knowledge. Talk about your eagerness to learn about the latest tools like GIS software or data modelling techniques—this gives them confidence that you’re a great fit for their training programme.
✨Prepare to Discuss Current Environmental Issues
Be ready to chat about recent events or breakthroughs in earth sciences, like climate change impacts or sustainable practices. This not only shows that you're engaged with the field, but it also helps you connect your passion to the mission of SJ, especially if they focus on sustainability.