Graduate Geotechnical Engineer

Fairhurst; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Personal health care plan

33 days annual leave

Bonus schemes

Job summary

Fairhurst is seeking a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer in Aberdeen to support geotechnical design solutions for civil engineering projects. Your role will involve assisting with ground investigations, analyzing soil data, and contributing to report preparations. The position offers both on-site and office experience with opportunities for progression. A degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is essential, and an MSc is desirable. This role emphasizes teamwork, analytical skills, and a commitment to quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Graduate‑level experience or relevant academic project work.
• Knowledge of ground investigation techniques and geotechnical design principles.
• Experience in data analysis is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist in geotechnical and ground investigation works.
• Support the analysis and interpretation of geotechnical data.
• Help prepare technical reports and calculations.

Skills

Analytical and problem‑solving skills

Clear communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Proactivity in learning

Commitment to safety and quality

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

MSc in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology (desirable)

Job description

Role Overview – The Graduate Geotechnical Engineer supports the assessment of ground conditions and the delivery of geotechnical design solutions for a wide range of civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, the role involves assisting with ground investigations, analysing soil and rock data, preparing elements of technical reports, and contributing to geotechnical design tasks such as foundations, earthworks, retaining structures, and slope assessments. The position offers valuable on‑site and office‑based experience, providing structured technical development and excellent opportunities for progression within a multidisciplinary environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical & Design

• Assist with planning, preparing, and undertaking geotechnical and ground investigation works.
• Participate in soil and rock logging, in‑situ testing, sampling, and monitoring activities.
• Support the analysis and interpretation of geotechnical data, including laboratory and field results.
• Contribute to geotechnical design tasks such as earthworks, bearing capacity assessments, foundation options, and slope stability reviews.
• Assist in preparing technical reports, calculations, desk studies, and design deliverables.
• Help ensure that technical outputs comply with relevant design standards, industry guidance, and regulatory requirements.

Project Management

• Support senior engineers with project planning, programming, and coordination of investigation or design tasks.
• Assist in organising fieldwork logistics, data management, and document control.
• Contribute to progress tracking, risk identification, and resource planning.
• Provide input into fee proposals, scopes of work, and project documentation under supervision.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Help communicate technical information and investigation findings clearly to colleagues and project teams.
• Attend internal meetings, site visits, and—where appropriate—client or contractor discussions.
• Support the development of strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, and project partners.

Quality & Compliance

• Follow all applicable health, safety, and environmental procedures both on‑site and in the office.
• Assist with ensuring data collection, logging, sampling, and reporting meet internal quality standards.
• Contribute to improvements in processes and procedures by providing feedback and supporting updates.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism, and a proactive attitude as part of a learning‑focused role.
• Take ownership of personal development, seeking guidance, training, and new technical experiences.
• Share knowledge with peers and contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Earth Science, or a related discipline.
• MSc in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology (desirable).
• Working toward or intending to pursue professional accreditation (e.g., ICE, IOM3, or similar).

Experience

• Graduate‑level experience; placements, internships, and academic project work are acceptable.
• Knowledge of ground investigation techniques, soil and rock mechanics, or geotechnical design principles.
• Experience analysing geotechnical laboratory or field data (advantageous).
• Understanding of UK design standards, construction processes, and ground‑related risks (beneficial).
• Any fieldwork, logging, or site monitoring experience is helpful but not essential.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a logical and methodical approach.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Well‑organised, with good time‑management skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and eager to learn and develop a career in geotechnical engineering.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous professional development.
• Full UK driving licence (desirable depending on role requirements).

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A collaborative, partner‑led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
• Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
• A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding engineering.
• Competitive salary and excellent flexible benefits package.
• Contributory pension, personal health care plan and life insurance.
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy‑back scheme.
• Bonus schemes including loyalty bonus and qualifications award.
• Interest‑free travel loan.