Geotechnical Engineer – Mining & Ground Engineering (Hybrid)

WSP USA; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Gymflex scheme

Menopause support

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer to join the UK MES team. The role supports open pit and underground mining projects and contributes to infrastructure and geoenergy developments in the UK and internationally.

You will work with specialists in WSP's mining and ground engineering network, delivering high-impact projects across sectors while collaborating with global teams and traveling as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering preferred.
• Relevant post-degree professional experience in geotechnical and/or rock mechanics engineering.
• Understanding of ground characterisation and geotechnical design processes.
• Experience with numerical modelling software, particularly Itasca (FLAC2D/3D, UDEC, 3DEC) and the Rocscience suite.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to develop technical capability and apply advanced methods to solve rock engineering problems.
• Professional membership (or working towards) with a relevant institution.
• Experience with Python programming and CAD / parametric modelling (e.g. Rhino / Grasshopper) would be an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills (written and verbal).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of geotechnical and rock mechanics services for open pit and underground mining projects.
• Undertake rock mass characterisation, including interpretation of borehole, laboratory, and field data to derive material and discontinuity properties for design.
• Apply rock mass classification systems (Q, RMR, GSI), including statistical analysis and interpretation.
• Develop engineering ground models, including 3D geological and structural models using Leapfrog Geo.
• Perform rock mass stability assessments for slopes and underground excavations using empirical, analytical, and numerical approaches.
• Carry out numerical modelling and analysis using industry-standard tools (Itasca software - FLAC2D, FLAC3D, UDEC, 3DEC, Rocscience suite, etc)
• Participate in fieldwork, including geotechnical core logging, site inspections, and rock face mapping during ground investigations.
• Collaborate with WSP's global mining and ground engineering teams, working closely with specialists across regions and disciplines.
• Travel within the UK and internationally, representing WSP professionally in client‑facing roles, presentations, and site assignments.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Python programming

CAD / Rhino / Grasshopper

Itasca FLAC2D/3D

Rocscience suite

Borehole data interpretation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, or related discipline

Postgraduate qualification in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering (preferred)

Tools

Itasca software (FLAC2D/3D, UDEC, 3DEC)

Rocscience software suite

Job description

WSP is seeking a Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer to join the UK MES team. The role supports open pit and underground mining projects and contributes to infrastructure and geoenergy developments in the UK and internationally.

You will work with specialists in WSP's mining and ground engineering network, delivering high-impact projects across sectors while collaborating with global teams and traveling as required.