Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer - Mining UK

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer to join our growing UK team. You will support open pit and underground mining projects, and contribute to major infrastructure and geoenergy developments in the UK and internationally.

The role involves rock mass characterisation, applying Q/RMR/GSI classifications, 3D ground modelling with Leapfrog Geo, and numerical analyses using Itasca and Rocscience tools. Travel within the UK and internationally is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering preferred.
• Experience in geotechnical and/or rock mechanics engineering.
• Understanding of ground characterisation and geotechnical design processes.
• Experience with numerical modelling software Itasca and Rocscience suites.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to geotechnical and rock mechanics services for mining and infrastructure projects.
• Undertake rock mass characterisation from borehole, laboratory, and field data.
• Apply rock mass classification systems (Q, RMR, GSI) and interpret results.
• Develop 3D ground models using Leapfrog Geo and other tools.
• Perform rock mass stability assessments for slopes and excavations; use empirical, analytical, and numerical methods.
• Carry out numerical modelling with Itasca, Rocscience, and related software.
• Participate in fieldwork: logging, inspections, and mapping.
• Collaborate with global mining and ground engineering teams; travel within the UK and abroad.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Numerical modelling

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering/Civil Engineering

Postgraduate qualification in rock mechanics

Tools

Itasca FLAC2D/3D

Rocscience suite

Leapfrog Geo

Python

Rhino/Grasshopper CAD

Job description

Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer

We are seeking a Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer to join our growing UK team. The role will support a diverse portfolio of open pit and underground mining projects, while also contributing to major infrastructure and geoenergy developments in the UK and internationally.

Key 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 software such as 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering is strongly 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).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.