Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer in Bristol

Be among the first 25 applicants for this exciting role at WSP. Our global presence allows you to contribute to landmark projects and collaborate with the brightest minds in the industry.

WSP offers a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. We provide you with the opportunity to shape a unique career while working on high-impact geotechnical projects within the highways sector. This position is based in the South West region, ideally at our Bristol, Exeter or Truro office, and is available on a full-time or part-time basis.

A Little More About Your Role

• The development of professional and technically competent reports and liaison with specialists and clients predominantly within the highways sector, making use of efficient working practices to provide industry leading, best-value services.
• Effectively managing and delivering project work with robust project financial management.
• Assisting in the management of team resources and allocation of appropriate project resources.
• Managing, motivating, mentoring and developing professional staff.
• Providing support in all aspects of project delivery including client liaison, contractors and sub-consultants, public and statutory body consultation, quality control and management of specialists.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Technical expertise in geotechnical engineering with a demonstrable understanding of the underlying principles.
• Basic design skills for the commonly adopted retaining wall, foundation and slope stabilisation solutions.
• Consultancy experience with demonstrably good commercial awareness and relationships with clients & contractors within the highways sector.
• Ideally Chartered or near-chartered professional qualification.
• Experience in the delivery of geotechnical projects, including preparing reports to a high technical level.
• An understanding of client requirements and the ability to influence contract specifications.
• Experience of being part of or leading delivery teams that are effective in delivering short to medium-term projects from inception to construction.
• Excellent report-writing and client liaison skills.
• Proven previous experience of undertaking and managing: geotechnical desk studies; designing, procuring & supervising Ground Investigations (GIs); checking Ground Investigation Reports & Geotechnical Design Reports in accordance with the requirements of Eurocode 7: Part 1.
• Working knowledge of Eurocode 7 and UK annex design codes, ground investigation and construction contracts and specifications including a working knowledge of Design Manual for Roads and Bridges CD622 and CS641.
• Experience in managing the interface with National Highway’s “Safety, Engineering & Standards” and operations and maintenance teams.
• Familiarity and an ability to interrogate a wide range of geotechnical software for the design of civil engineering projects including deep and shallow foundations (including pile group analysis), embedded and gravity retaining walls, earthworks/slope stability and reinforced earthworks.
• The skills to check and critically evaluate the work done by others, be it drawings, calculations or reports, and have a proven track record of doing so.

Benefits and Working Life

• Work-life balance – Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging – We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society.
• Health & Wellbeing – We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex Your Time – WSP offers the “WSP My Hour”, allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement.
• Your Development – We foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring or Chartership. We understand the importance of development and training to you.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.