Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer - Mining UK

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive programme

Health and wellbeing support

Personal development opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer to join their expanding team in Leeds. The role will involve working on diverse mining and infrastructure projects, utilizing advanced engineering techniques and software.

Ideal candidates should have relevant educational qualifications, experience with numerical modelling software, and a strong commitment to professional development.

The position offers a hybrid working model allowing flexibility, along with health and wellbeing initiatives aimed at enhancing work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in geotechnical and/or rock mechanics engineering.
• Understanding of ground characterisation and geotechnical design processes.
• Willingness to develop technical capability and apply advanced methods.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to geotechnical and rock mechanics services for mining projects.
• Undertake rock mass characterisation and develop engineering ground models.
• Participate in fieldwork, including site inspections and geotechnical core logging.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Numerical modelling software

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

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

Postgraduate qualification in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering

Tools

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

Rocscience suite

Python programming

CAD / parametric modelling (e.g., Rhino / Grasshopper)

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A Little More About Your Role…

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. This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside leading specialists within WSP’s global mining and ground engineering network, delivering technically challenging and high‑impact projects across multiple sectors.

The 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.

Your Team

• Joining the WSP Mine Engineering & Stability (MES) team in the UK, working alongside a multidisciplinary group of experts with strong links to our global mining and ground engineering business.
• Collaborating with talented and diverse professionals on a range of projects across the mining, infrastructure, and energy sectors.
• Contributing to clients’ performance optimisation, profitability, and responsible operations while staying informed on industry challenges such as decarbonisation.

We'd Love To Hear From You If You Have

• 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).

What’s In It For You?

Work‑life balance

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, celebrating integrity and treating people with respect. Our employee resource groups promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We provide a Thrive programme, a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme, and comprehensive menopause support.

Flex your time

Our “WSP My Hour” allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time later.

Your development

We invest in training, mentoring, and chartership to support your growth.

We 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.