Geotechnical Consultant

Waterman Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterman Group is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join its London-based team. You will perform design calculations and numerical modelling using PLAXIS 2D/3D, interpreting tests and data to support infrastructure projects.

The role involves reporting, site attendance, and collaboration with senior engineers to develop practical solutions, with opportunity for skill development in geotechnical design and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil/geotechnical engineering.
• Typically 2–5 years of geotechnical experience.
• Experience with PLAXIS 2D/3D for numerical modelling.
• Good understanding of soil mechanics and parameter interpretation.
• Experience in geotechnical design calculations and reporting.
• Familiarity with UK standards (Eurocode 7).
• Experience on UK geotechnical or civil projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication; willingness to visit sites.

Responsibilities

• Perform geotechnical design calculations for foundations, earthworks and slopes.
• Develop and run PLAXIS 2D/3D models with appropriate soil models and loading.
• Interpret outputs: ground movements, settlements, stresses, FS.
• Review ground investigation data and derive design parameters.
• Prepare GIRs and GDRs and geotechnical testing specifications.
• Attend sites and provide on-site geotechnical support and supervision.

Skills

PLAXIS 2D/3D

Soil mechanics

Ground investigation

Geotechnical design

Education

BSc in Civil Engineering

Tools

Oasys

RS2

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and technically capable Geotechnical Engineer to join our London-based geotechnical team.The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in geotechnical engineering design, with particular emphasis on numerical modelling using PLAXIS 2D and/or 3D, ground investigation interpretation and soil parameter assessment.The role will involve supporting a range of UK infrastructure, building and civil engineering projects, undertaking geotechnical calculations and numerical analyses, preparing technical reports, and contributing to the development of practical engineering solutions.The candidate will work closely with senior engineers and team lead, with opportunities to develop their technical and design capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Geotechnical Design and Numerical Modelling
   • Undertake geotechnical design calculations and assessments for foundations, retaining structures, excavations, slopes and earthworks.
   • Develop and undertake numerical modelling using PLAXIS 2D and/or PLAXIS 3D, including appropriate soil constitutive models, ground conditions, construction stages and loading scenarios.
   • Interpret modelling outputs, including ground movements, settlements, stresses, structural forces and factors of safety.
   • Assist in evaluating soil–structure interaction and developing appropriate design recommendations.
   • Prepare calculation notes, modelling summaries and technical design reports.
2. Ground Investigation and Interpretation
   • Review ground investigation data, including borehole logs, laboratory testing and in-situ test results.
   • Assist in developing ground models and selecting representative geotechnical design parameters.
   • Contribute to the preparation and review of Ground Investigation Reports (GIRs) and Geotechnical Design Reports (GDRs).
   • Support the preparation of ground investigation specifications and schedules of geotechnical testing.
3. Earthworks and Geotechnical Engineering
   • Assist with earthworks design, including slope stability, settlement assessments and ground improvement solutions.
   • Support the preparation of earthworks specifications and technical documentation.
   • Review ground conditions and assess geotechnical risks associated with construction activities.
4. Site Attendance, Technical Support and Project Delivery
   • Attend project sites and provide geotechnical engineering support during ground investigation, earthworks and construction activities.
   • Undertake site inspections to assess ground conditions, construction progress and compliance with geotechnical design requirements.
   • Provide on-site technical advice and support to contractors and project teams in resolving geotechnical issues.
   • Supervise or monitor ground investigation activities, including borehole drilling, trial pits, in-situ testing and sampling, as required.
   • Assist with earthworks inspections, formation assessments, ground improvement verification and geotechnical testing.
   • Review site investigation findings and construction observations.
   • Prepare site inspection records, technical notes and recommendations.
   • Liaise with contractors, clients and multidisciplinary engineering teams to support effective project delivery.
   • Be willing and available to undertake regular site attendance.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Typically 2–5 years of relevant geotechnical engineering experience.
• Basic experience using PLAXIS 2D and/or PLAXIS 3D for geotechnical numerical modelling.
• Good understanding of soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering principles and soil parameter interpretation.
• Experience in geotechnical design calculations and technical reporting.
• Familiarity with UK geotechnical design standards, including Eurocode 7.
• Relevant experience working on UK geotechnical or civil engineering projects.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to undertake occasional site visits.
• Experience preparing GI specifications, interpretative reports or geotechnical design reports.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with advanced soil constitutive models, including the Hardening Soil model in PLAXIS.
• Experience in retaining wall design, deep excavations, foundations or soil–structure interaction analysis.
• Familiarity with other geotechnical analysis software, such as Oasys or RS2.
• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Working towards professional chartership (ICE or equivalent).

At Waterman we are committed to our people, our communities, and the planet. We are transforming our business and offering our most exciting opportunities yet so now is the time to join us.

We are a Disability Confident organisation, committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy starting with our recruitment and selection process.

Life Here

'All the hard work you put in will result in something that will remain long after you are gone. Its like a stamp you have left on the world.'

Bodunde Balogun - Apprentice, Infrastructure and Environment

'I have felt so welcome during my time here and even in such a short time have learnt a great deal!'