Geotechnical Engineer

About Fairhurst LLP –Fairhurst LLP is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships.

Role Overview –The Geotechnical Engineer plays a key role in assessing ground conditions, providing geotechnical design solutions, and supporting the successful delivery of infrastructure, building, and environmental projects. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the role involves undertaking site investigations, analysing soil and rock behaviour, preparing technical reports, and contributing to the safe, efficient, and sustainable design of foundations, earthworks, retaining structures, and other geotechnical elements.

The role requires strong technical capability, attention to detail, and effective communication with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Technical & Design

• Undertake geotechnical analysis and design including foundations, earthworks, retaining structures, slope stability, ground improvement, and soil–structure interaction.
• Contribute to ground investigation planning, sampling strategies, and interpretation of geotechnical data.
• Analyse laboratory and in‑situ testing data to determine geotechnical parameters.
• Prepare high‑quality technical reports, design summaries, risk assessments, and design calculations.
• Use relevant geotechnical modelling software (e.g., Geo Studio, PLAXIS, or equivalent) to support design decisions.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, guidance, and best practice.

Project Management

• Support project delivery by assisting with planning, resourcing, and coordination of geotechnical tasks.
• Monitor progress, risks, and programme constraints to maintain timely delivery.
• Contribute to cost estimates, proposals, and technical scopes.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and follow internal governance procedures.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate geotechnical findings and design recommendations clearly to internal teams, clients, and external partners.
• Attend client meetings, site visits, and project workshops as required.
• Build positive working relationships and contribute to collaborative project environments.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all work meets required quality standards and complies with health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Promote and apply best practice in geotechnical design and investigation.
• Assist in developing and maintaining quality assurance procedures, documentation, and technical standards.
• Support the development of graduate engineers and technicians through knowledge sharing and on‑the‑job guidance.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Lead small work packages or tasks where appropriate under the guidance of senior staff.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, or a related discipline.
• MSc in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology (desirable).
• Working toward or holding professional accreditation (e.g., ICE, IOM3, or similar).

Experience

• Experience in geotechnical design and/or site investigation (graduate to intermediate levels acceptable depending on role).
• Understanding of soil and rock mechanics, geotechnical modelling, and UK ground conditions.
• Experience preparing technical reports and analysing geotechnical data.
• Familiarity with industry standards, design codes, and relevant software tools.
• Site‑based experience such as supervising ground investigations or logging soil/rock samples (advantageous).

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a logical and methodical approach.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a…