Graduate Geotechnical Engineer

Sweco; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks

Great pension

Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Discretionary Annual Bonus

Professional subscriptions

25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

Cycle2Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts via Sweco Benefit Select

Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle

Tree planting for new starters

Job summary

Sweco is recruiting a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer to join our Infrastructure and Environment Division in the UK. You’ll work within a close-knit ground engineering team on a range of geotechnical design projects from feasibility through to construction, engaging with multi-disciplinary teams.

You’ll gain hands-on experience, mentoring, and professional accreditation support within Sweco’s two-year blended graduate scheme, with a permanent position and benefits on completion.

Qualifications

• Have a degree relevant to the role you’re applying for.
• Have less than 12 months of relevant work experience (excluding placements).
• Are confident using Microsoft Office and other relevant digital tools.
• Are driven, proactive, and solution-oriented.
• Can work in the UK without restrictions either now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Work as an integral member of a close-knit team of geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams to deliver geotechnical design projects from feasibility to construction.
• Assist with planning and supervision of ground investigations, including site visits, drilling, sampling and field testing.
• Interpret data from field and laboratory investigations and use software to model geotechnical behaviour.
• Contribute to technical reports and guidance for construction methods and design considerations.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Proactive

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Let’s transform society together

We are Sweco.

We are Europe’s leading design, engineering, environment and regulatory consultancy.

We are future planners, city shapers, urban innovators, digital transformers, net zero chasers, community connectors, social enterprisers and lifestyle improvers.

We are #DifferenceMakers.

And we are now taking applications for the Autumn 2027 cohort of our Early Careers Graduate Scheme.

Now recruiting: Graduate Geotechnical Engineer to join our Infrastructure and Environment Division.

At Sweco, we recruit to role – meaning you’ll join a team where your skills, interests and ambitions align with the work you’ll be doing. Our Ground Engineering team delivers a diverse portfolio of projects across the UK, supporting clients in sectors including energy, national and local infrastructure, highways, water and commercial development.

The recent work includes supporting the British Antarctic Survey’s £100 million Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, as well as delivering the detailed geotechnical design for nationally significant projects such as A47 Improvement Programme and M25 Junction improvements, York Central regeneration and Comrie Flood Mitigation Scheme.

We’re looking for graduates who share our values, are curious about the world around them and are motivated to help build a more sustainable and resilient future.

What will you be doing?

As a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer, you’ll:

• Work as an integral member of a close-knit team of geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams to deliver geotechnical design projects at every stage, from feasibility and desk studies through to ground investigation, detailed design and construction.
• Assist with the planning and supervision of ground investigations, including site visits, drilling, sampling, field testing and site surveys.
• Gather, interpret and analyse data and test results from field and laboratory investigations.
• Use engineering software to model geotechnical behaviour, assess ground stability and support the development of practical design solutions.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and other project documentation, summarising investigation findings and providing recommendations for construction methods and design considerations.
• Assist with the design of geotechnical solutions, including earthworks, foundations, slopes, retaining structures and other ground engineering measures.
• Support the supervision of ground investigation and earthworks activities during construction.
• Develop your technical, commercial and professional skills through hand-on experience, mentoring and involvement in a wide range of projects.

This is an excellent opportunity to begin your career in a supportive and forward-thinking team, working on projects that make a real difference to communities and the environment.

Who are we looking for?

Our unique, personalised programme is designed for passionate, forward-thinking graduates who want to change the world around them, who will thrive in a dynamic team environment, and who are hungry to collaborate not only with fellow graduates, but also with mentors and leaders across the business.

What do you need to apply?

• Have a degree relevant to the role you’re applying for.
• Have less than 12 months of relevant work experience (excluding placements).
• Are confident using Microsoft Office and other relevant digital tools.
• Are driven, proactive, and solution-oriented.
• Can work in the UK without restrictions either now or in the future. This is a permanent role, and we’re looking for candidates who can grow their careers with Sweco without a time limit.

What’s in it for you?

Our Graduate Scheme offers a two-year blended learning experience, with a tailored programme delivered virtually and face-to-face. You’ll have the chance to network and grow with the 2027 cohort. Personal growth will be supported by our Early Careers team, mentors and subject matter experts from across the business.

Structured masterclasses focus on Internal Insight, Skills Development, and Subject Matter Expertise, helping fast-track your development as you pursue professional accreditation. The programme builds your confidence early in your career and gives you a platform for genuine impact within Sweco.

You’ll receive a permanent position with an industry-standard salary and benefits package, including 25 days holiday, a great pension and life assurance.

Read what our previous graduates have to say about their experience on the careers section of our website.

Please note, we will hold an assessment centre for this position in January / February 2027.

All applicants will be contacted regardless of the outcome. We provide feedback to all attendees of interviews or assessment centres but are unable to offer personal feedback at the application stage.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
• We plant a tree for all new starters!