Chief Geotechnical Engineer

SNC-Lavalin; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Edinburgh is looking for a Chief Geotechnical Engineer to lead complex projects. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and manage a diverse team of professionals. Strong academic qualifications and extensive industry knowledge are required, along with excellent communication skills. This role offers opportunities for flexible working and career progression in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working policies

Employee networks and inclusive policies

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong academic background; ideally MSc or PhD; Chartered status is preferred.
• Excellent technical and numeracy skills; knowledge of geotechnical design.
• Up-to-date knowledge of standards applicable in geotechnical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex geotechnical projects and deliver technical leadership.
• Support delivery and development of ground engineering projects.
• Provide design reviews to support high-quality project delivery.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Geotechnical variability understanding

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in relevant field

Chartered status with a relevant institution

Tools

Modelling tools

Soil-structure interaction workflows

Job description

Overview

Take our vision into the future.

We work on a wide variety of projects across sectors. Our people’s diversity of thought, expertise and knowledge is valued in a genuinely collaborative environment. We offer flexible and remote working policies 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, in either our Glasgow or Edinburgh office, to support our increasing workload in the UK and globally. AtkinsRéalis has an extensive portfolio including nuclear, energy, road, rail, defence and metro tunnelling projects, with local and national clients such as Forests and Land Scotland and Transport Scotland.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex geotechnical projects and deliver technical leadership and project reviews.
• Support delivery and technical development of ground engineering projects as a recognised specialist in Scotland and the UK.
• Apply hands-on knowledge of ground engineering, delivery of major projects, and innovation, collaborating with the team of over 35 engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers.
• Provide design reviews, pragmatically and constructively, to support reliable, high‑quality project delivery.
• Provide commercial and technical bid proposal reviews to support efficient and effective work winning.

What you can bring

• A strong academic background with a relevant degree; ideally MSc or PhD; Chartered status with a relevant institution.
• Excellent technical and numeracy skills; understanding of geotechnical variability and design for earthworks, foundations, retaining structures and slopes.
• Awareness of soil-structure interaction workflows and modelling tools; knowledge of dynamic soil behaviour and seismic design would be an advantage.
• Extensive industry network and involvement in industry activities, including industry-academic partnerships.
• Up-to-date knowledge of policy, legislation and standards applicable in geotechnical engineering.
• Technical leadership with the ability to coach and develop early career professionals; a desire to drive digital innovation and advance AtkinsRéalis’ capabilities in advanced geotechnical analysis.

Additional requirements

• High motivation to succeed and to progress your career.
• Collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach with strong teamwork for national and international projects.
• Clear communication and writing skills for reports and presentations.
• Willingness to travel on short assignments within the UK and overseas for challenging projects or conferences.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

We’re ranked as one of LinkedIn’s Top 25 Companies and have been recognised among Times Top 50 employers for women. Our Infrastructure team uses innovation and data to deliver end-to-end projects and programmes for essential future infrastructure, challenging the status quo.

We’re committed to engineering better for people and the planet, from our Engineering Net-Zero programme to social value through EDAROTH community housing. We support active employee networks and inclusive policies, including family-friendly options and programs for diverse backgrounds. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will depend on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require proof of UK residency of five years or longer. Do not include current or previous security clearance details in your application.

#LI-INFRASTRUCTURE | #LI-UK

Worker Type Employee Job Type Contractual (Fixed Term)

AtkinsRéalis hires individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We believe world-class talent benefits from diversity and inclusion and value candidates from all genders, ethnicities, national origins, sexual identities and orientations, ages, religions, and abilities.