Geotechnical Engineer

SSE plc; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Gym membership discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Family entitlements (maternity/adopt./

Job summary

SSE plc is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join the Engineering Team. This role supports offshore wind projects in the UK, from early development through construction and operation, delivering technical leadership and risk management across the project lifecycle.

Based in Inverness with a flexible location policy, you will contribute to safe, high‑value project delivery. You will lead geotechnical activities, collaborate with project teams, and ensure compliance with health, safety and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or related field.
• Chartered status or active progression toward professional accreditation.
• Strong understanding of offshore wind development, codes and standards.
• Experience in ground investigations, interpretation, modelling and geohazard management.
• Ability to apply sound technical judgement and risk-based decision making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver geotechnical strategies that support offshore wind projects throughout their lifecycle, providing technical leadership, risk management and input into project programmes and delivery plans.
• Plan, coordinate and execute geotechnical activities including investigations, laboratory testing, interpretation, ground modelling, foundation engineering and cable installation assessments.
• Work with project teams to scope, specify and manage consultants and contractors ensuring technical excellence and commercial value.
• Review and challenge third‑party studies and designs, including desk studies, foundation designs, driveability assessments, cable burial risk assessments and ground investigation reports.
• Support projects through development, construction and operations by contributing to DEVEX, CAPEX and OPEX planning, driving continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with HSE and sustainability requirements.

Skills

Offshore wind knowledge

Technical leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk-based decision making

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering / Engineering Geology or related

Chartered status or active progression towards accreditation

Job description

Base Location:

You’ll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations: Aberdeen, Perth, Glasgow, Inverness, Havant, Newcastle or Reading whilst other SSER locations can be considered.

Salary:

£51,600 - £77,400 + performance‑related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern:

Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

As a Geotechnical Engineer within our Engineering Team, you’ll play a critical role in delivering some of the UK's and Europe's most exciting offshore wind projects. From early-stage development through to construction and operation, you’ll provide technical expertise that influences major project decisions, reduces risk and helps deliver the engineering solutions that underpin successful offshore wind developments. This is an opportunity to work on technically complex projects, collaborate with industry‑leading specialists and make a genuine impact on the transition to renewable energy.

You Will

• Develop and deliver geotechnical strategies that support offshore wind projects throughout their lifecycle, providing technical leadership, risk management and input into project programmes and delivery plans.
• Plan, coordinate and execute a broad range of geotechnical engineering activities, including offshore ground investigations, laboratory testing programmes, geotechnical interpretation, ground modelling, foundation engineering and cable installation assessments.
• Work closely with project, engineering and procurement teams to scope, specify and manage consultants and contractors, ensuring technical excellence, commercial value and successful project outcomes.
• Review and challenge third‑party technical studies and designs, including desk studies, foundation designs, driveability assessments, cable burial risk assessments, cable installation analyses, sediment mobility studies, laboratory testing schedules, leg penetration assessments, geohazard evaluations and ground investigation reports.
• Support projects through development, construction and operations by contributing to DEVEX, CAPEX and OPEX planning, driving continuous improvement and innovation, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and sustainability requirements.

You Have

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline, together with Chartered status or active progression towards professional accreditation.
• A strong understanding of offshore wind development, including relevant legislation, design codes, operational standards and the geotechnical requirements that support successful project delivery.
• Experience in some or all of the following areas: offshore ground investigations and laboratory testing programmes, geotechnical interpretation and parameter selection, ground modelling, geohazard management, pile driveability assessments, leg penetration analyses, foundation design, cable design and installation engineering. Although not essential, candidates with some experience of geotechnical input to cable projects would be viewed positively.
• An understanding of the offshore wind project lifecycle, together with the ability to apply sound technical judgement, commercial awareness and risk‑based decision making across development, construction and operational phases.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, coupled with a collaborative, innovative and proactive approach. You’ll enjoy solving complex challenges, building trusted relationships and continuously looking for better ways of delivering successful project outcomes.

About SSE

SSE's purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all.

We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro-electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.

Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030.

SSE Renewables delivers the clean power needed to support the clean energy transition. We lead the way in the development, build, and operation of renewable power assets, including windfarms, hydro power stations, and solar and battery projects. Join a global team of 1,800 experts helping lead the transition to a clean, reliable electricity system.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.