At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead geotechnical design projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the UK.
- Company: SLR, a global leader in sustainability solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and career progression support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for mental health and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile infrastructure projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in geotechnical design, degree in civil engineering or geology, and chartered status preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Geotechnical Design Engineer with at least 5 years’ experience to join our established European Geotechnical Team, delivering high‑profile geotechnical design and infrastructure projects.
Based in Manchester, Sheffield or Stoke (other offices may also be considered for the right candidate including London, Birmingham and Leeds), the role will focus primarily on major geotechnical design projects within the UK highways sector, including National Highways Geotechnical Certification, with additional exposure to transport, energy transition, carbon capture & storage, renewable energy and low‑carbon engineering developments, as well as a small amount of wider infrastructure and built‑environment work.
The Role
- You’ll lead the delivery of geotechnical design projects from planning through to detailed design, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
- The role includes:
- Project and technical leadership
- Client management and proposal support
- Mentoring and coaching less‑experienced engineers
- Desk‑based work alongside site visits across the UK and Ireland
You’ll collaborate with colleagues across Environmental & Earth Sciences, Planning, ESIA, Engineering and Global Advisory on complex and impactful projects, with opportunities for European and international exposure.
Rewards & Benefits
SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licenses, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression.
Our Flexible Benefits & Reward Package Includes:
- Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
- Company pension
- Private medical insurance
- Life, income, and travel insurance
- Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes
We believe sustainable careers need balance, that’s why we offer:
- Flexible, hybrid and agile working
- 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays
- Buy or sell leave options
- Core working hours
- Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities
Family Life And Wellbeing Matter At SLR
We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress, and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally.
About You
- You’ll bring:
- Extensive experience delivering UK geotechnical design projects, ideally including National Highways work
- A degree in civil engineering, geology, or a related field (MSc desirable)
- Chartered status (CEng or CGeol) or equivalent capability
- Project management and stakeholder engagement experience
- Strong knowledge of relevant design codes, standards and CDM Regulations
- Experience with GEO5, Oasys, GeoStudio, Plaxis or similar geotechnical software
- Strong technical reporting and problem‑solving skills, particularly in preparing Geotechnical Design Reports
- A willingness to travel for short UK and occasional overseas assignments
- A driving licence that permits you to legally drive in the UK
Culture & Inclusion
Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
If this role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Geotechnical Design Engineer
✨Dive into Geoscience Communities
Join local and online geoscience communities and forums. Places like the Geological Society of London often have events where you can network with professionals in the field. Engaging in discussions or attending workshops can really get you noticed!
✨Show Off Your Fieldwork Skills
If you've got hands-on experience from university projects or internships, make sure to highlight that. Employers in geoscience love practical skills. Consider creating a portfolio showcasing your fieldwork or any research projects you’ve been a part of.
✨Utilise Research Publications
Stay up to date with the latest research in geosciences by diving into journals or attending conferences. Not only will this make you more knowledgeable, but it can also provide talking points in interviews and even lead to job opportunities through academic connections.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website!
When you find a role like Geotechnical Design Engineer at SLR Consulting, apply directly on our website! Tailor your application to highlight your specific skills and experiences in geoscience. Remember, being specific can really set you apart!
We think you need these skills to ace Geotechnical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills in Geoscience:When you're drafting your CV, make sure to highlight specific geoscience skills and experiences. Whether it’s fieldwork, data analysis, or modelling software you’ve used, these details can set you apart. We love to see practical experience, so don't shy away from discussing any projects or research that relate directly to the earth sciences!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine:Your cover letter for a full-time geoscience position should scream passion for the field! Let us know why you're excited about working at SLR Consulting and how your skills align with what we're looking for. Mention any relevant coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your journey in geoscience.
Certifications Matter!:In the geoscience sector, having relevant certifications can give your application an extra edge. If you have any geological or environmental certifications, or even training in software like GIS, make sure to list them prominently. It not only highlights your commitment but also shows that you're equipped with the knowledge required for the role.
Detailed Project Portfolio:For a full-time role, it's super helpful to include a project portfolio if you've worked on significant geoscience projects. This could include research papers, fieldwork summaries, or even visual data representations. We love seeing how you've applied your skills in real-world situations, so make it easy for us to see your achievements!
How to prepare for a job interview at SLR Consulting
✨Show Your Technical Prowess
In geoscience, you'll likely face some technical questions related to geology, geophysics, or GIS tools. Brush up on the fundamental concepts and be prepared to talk about any software you’ve used, like ArcGIS or MATLAB, and how you applied them in your previous projects or studies.
✨Bring Your Field Experience to the Table
If you've had any fieldwork or practical experience, make sure to highlight those experiences during your interview. Talk about specific projects where you collected data, conducted analyses, or made observations. This not only shows your hands-on skills but also demonstrates your commitment to the field.
✨Passion for Our Planet
As a full-time candidate, showing genuine enthusiasm for geoscience can set you apart. Think about what excites you most in this field, whether it's climate change, natural resources, or environmental conservation. Be ready to discuss what draws you to SLR Consulting and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Stay Curious and Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your keen interest in ongoing research or specific projects at SLR Consulting. This stays in line with the collaborative nature of geoscience; it shows that you’re not just looking for a job but are genuinely interested in being part of a team that explores and solves real-world problems.