Graduate Geotechnical Engineer

Sweco UK Ltd; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks

Private Medical Insurance

Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme

25 days holiday

Life Assurance

Pension contribution

Cycle2Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Salary Sacrifice EV Scheme

Tree planting for new starters

Job summary

Sweco UK Ltd is seeking a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer to join our Infrastructure and Environment Division in the UK. You will work on geotechnical design, investigations and reporting across a broad portfolio including highways and major infrastructure projects.

You’ll be part of a two-year blended learning scheme with mentoring, masterclasses and accreditation support, with a permanent role and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Degree in geotechnical or related field.
• Less than 12 months of relevant work experience (excl. placements).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and other digital tools.
• Driven, proactive and solution-oriented.
• UK work eligibility; permanent role with long-term career growth.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a close-knit geotechnical engineering team.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams throughout feasibility to construction.
• Assist planning and supervision of ground investigations (sites, drilling, sampling).
• Gather, interpret and analyse data from field and lab investigations.
• Use engineering software to model geotechnical behaviour and assess ground stability.
• Prepare technical reports and project documentation with recommendations.
• Assist with design of earthworks, foundations, slopes, retaining structures.
• Support supervision of ground investigation and earthworks during construction.
• Develop technical, commercial and professional skills through mentoring and projects.

Skills

Geotechnical design understanding

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Geotechnical Engineering degree

Tools

Engineering software

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?

We want to hear from you if you…

• 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!

About Us

Transforming society together, we’re planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future.

Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable.

We offer our clients a combination of global expertise and local presence, adapted to their business and reality. Our ambition is to be our clients’ most relevant partner, working together to help them solve their challenges, today and into the future.

Sweco is committed to enabling all its colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible start and finish times, part time and hybrid working options so that you can flex your hours around your day to day needs.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It’s important to us that that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

Here at Sweco 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.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. To find out more The Armed Forces Covenant - Our Commitments | Sweco UK.

We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer which reflects our commitment to fair pay and support for all colleagues.

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If I have a disability, can I get help (e.g. "reasonable adjustments") with the application process?

If you’re an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.

In order to address your request the following information is needed:

• Name
• The best method for contacting you (Phone or email)
• The position title
• Requisition/vacancy number

Upon receipt of this information, we’ll respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.

Please note: we reserve the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date.

Sweco UK and I have an internal resourcing team who are responsible for all recruiting activity. We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted agencies who we work with on those "hard to fill" roles.

We have defined processes for recruitment applications and it is company policy not to accept speculative CVs. Any speculative CVs received into the business (whether to a manager or member of the resourcing team) will become the property of Sweco and the agency will not be eligible for an introductory fee.

Our Preferred Supplier List was reviewed in November 2025 and we are not looking to add any additional agencies. We’ll be reviewing the PSL again at the end of 2026 and non-compliance with the above statements could be detrimental to you having the opportunity to be included.

Our Talent Community for experienced professionals is a great way to keep up to date with our latest news, insights, future vacancies, as well as gaining access to exclusive events hosted by our experts.

To learn more Join Our Talent Community - Sweco United Kingdom.