Chief Geotechnical Engineer

Take our vision into the future. You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We’re proud to say it’s thanks to our people’s diversity of thought, expertise, and knowledge. When you join us, you’ll be part of this genuinely collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is valued and treated equally.

We’re passionate about what we do, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Simply put, this is a great place to be. We offer flexible and remote working policies designed to help you get the most out of life.

We have an opportunity for an experienced Chief Geotechnical Engineer with strong technical and business development credentials for a technical leadership role based in Scotland, either in our Glasgow or Edinburgh office. The role supports our increasing workload in the UK and globally. Atkins

Réalis has an impressive current portfolio of nuclear, energy, road, rail, defence and metro tunnelling projects both in the UK and overseas. In Scotland our portfolio includes major road infrastructure (A9, A83), onshore and offshore renewables, power grid reinforcement, and new builds. We support local councils and national clients, including Forests and Land Scotland and Transport Scotland, as well as major nuclear new builds and defence infrastructure projects.

As one of the UK’s leading geotechnical consultancies, Atkins

Réalis offers a comprehensive service in ground engineering and tunnelling. With more than 345 UK‑based professionals, our reputation is built on the skills, excellence, and commitment of our people. We are seeking to expand the current team of dedicated technical specialists to deliver exciting commissions and to extend our capability within the UK and worldwide through our global, connected practices.

We are looking for an experienced technical leader in ground engineering with a proven track record of leading complex geotechnical projects and delighting clients. As a recognised specialist in Scotland and the UK, you will support delivery and technical development of ground engineering projects. You will bring hands‑on knowledge of the ground engineering industry, delivery of major projects, innovation, and academic collaboration.

You will support a team of over 35 engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers.

• Design of geotechnical structures for onshore renewables, road and rail, power systems, and water management at a range of scales and design complexity.
• Practical knowledge of delivery for major infrastructure clients in Scotland.
• Experience in design coordination, leadership, and building strong team, client, and contractor relationships to deliver high quality outcomes.
• Providing pragmatic and constructive design reviews to support ‘right‑first‑time’ project delivery.
• Providing commercial and technical bid proposal reviews to support efficient and effective work‑winning delivery.

• A strong academic background with a relevant degree, ideally an MSc or PhD, and holding Chartered status with a relevant institution.
• Excellent technical skills and numeracy, acquired through academic training and subsequent industry application. Understanding of geotechnical variability and design in soil and rock for earthworks, foundations, retaining structures, and slopes.
• Awareness of soil‑structure interaction workflows, modelling tools, dynamic soil behaviour, and seismic design.
• Extensive industry network and influence, active participation in wider industry activities and industry‑academic partnerships.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of current policy, legislation, and standards applicable in geotechnical engineering.
• Demonstrated technical expertise and leadership, proactively coaching and developing early‑career professionals. A desire to drive digital innovation and advance Atkins
  
  Réalis’ capability in advanced geotechnical analysis.

• High motivation to succeed, progress, and develop your career.
• A collaborative personality suited to multidisciplinary national and international projects.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, able to produce clear and concise reports or presentations.
• Willingness to travel…