Mining Geotechnical & Rock Mechanics Engineer

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer to join the growing UK team. The role supports open pit and underground mining projects, as well as major infrastructure and geoenergy developments in the UK and abroad.

You will develop engineering ground models, perform rock mass characterisation, and apply classification systems with fieldwork and client-facing responsibilities. Travel within the UK and internationally is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering is strongly preferred.
• Relevant post‑degree professional experience in geotechnical and/or rock mechanics engineering.
• Experience with numerical modelling software, particularly Itasca (FLAC2D/3D, UDEC, 3DEC) and the Rocscience suite.
• Willingness to develop technical capability and apply advanced methods to solve rock engineering problems.

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.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Numerical modelling

Python programming

CAD / Rhino / Grasshopper

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

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

Postgraduate qualification in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering

Tools

Itasca FLAC2D/3D

Rocscience suite

Leapfrog Geo

UDEC

3DEC

Job description

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Geotechnical / Rock Mechanics Engineer to join the growing UK team. The role supports open pit and underground mining projects, as well as major infrastructure and geoenergy developments in the UK and abroad.

You will develop engineering ground models, perform rock mass characterisation, and apply classification systems with fieldwork and client-facing responsibilities. Travel within the UK and internationally is expected.