Robert Bird Group - Graduate Geotechnical Engineer Development Programme in London

At Robert Bird Group, we are passionate about shaping a better world through engineering excellence. We are 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Interview: Successful candidates will attend an interview with our team, which may include technical or hypothetical questions and a brief task.
4. 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!

SJ is a diverse collective of problem solvers for the built environment, continually reimagining ways to create a smart and sustainable future.