Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Arup; West of England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Accident insurance

Income protection

Profit Share

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Arup in the UK is seeking a senior geotechnical engineer to lead design across a diverse portfolio including data centres, infrastructure and energy projects. You’ll guide ground engineering solutions from site investigation through construction support, collaborating across disciplines to deliver safe, sustainable outcomes.

The role requires a degree in civil/geotechnical engineering, UK ground investigation knowledge, and a driving licence.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in geotechnical design, including foundations, retaining walls, earthworks, slopes and buried structures.
• Experience leading desktop studies, planning and interpreting ground investigations, developing ground models and managing ground risk through design and construction.
• Knowledge of UK specifications for ground investigations, piling and earthworks, with experience using relevant geotechnical design and data management software.
• A relevant degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, engineering geology or related discipline; ICE or Geological Society membership preferred.
• Collaborative and adaptable approach with ability to lead across projects/locations; driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical design activities and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Act as a trusted technical contact for clients and construction partners.
• Guide projects from early site investigation to detailed design and construction support.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Desktop studies

Ground investigations

Ground modelling

Client relationships

Education

Civil/geotechnical engineering degree

ICE / Geological Society qualification

Tools

Geotechnical design software

Job description

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Our geotechnical engineers play a vital role in turning complex ground conditions into safe, sustainable and buildable solutions. Our Ground Engineering team across the Midlands, Wales and West brings together geotechnical engineers, contaminated land specialists, geologists and hydrogeologists, supporting projects across energy, water, transport and the built environment.

From early ground investigation and site characterisation through to design and construction support, we combine technical excellence with collaborative problem-solving to deliver resilient outcomes for our clients and communities. You’ll join an inclusive and supportive team where knowledge is shared, curiosity is encouraged and you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to meaningful projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in delivering geotechnical engineering solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects. Our current work includes data centres, road and rail infrastructure, power grid upgrades, flood alleviation schemes, dams and reservoirs, wind power generation, buildings and site development.

You’ll work across the project lifecycle, from early site investigation and ground characterisation through to detailed design and construction support. You’ll lead geotechnical design activities, coordinate multidisciplinary teams and act as a trusted technical point of contact for clients and construction partners.

Alongside solving complex technical challenges, you’ll have opportunities to develop your experience in project leadership, client relationships, sustainability-led design and the development of others. You’ll play an important part in strengthening our Ground Engineering capability through high-quality delivery, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people who enjoy solving complex geotechnical challenges, working collaboratively and contributing to a growing portfolio of water, energy, transport and buildings projects.

You are likely to bring:

• Strong experience in geotechnical design, including foundations, retaining walls, earthworks, slopes and buried structures, using current industry standards and guidance.
• Experience leading desktop studies, planning and interpreting ground investigations, developing ground models and managing ground risk through design and construction.
• Knowledge of UK specifications for ground investigations, piling and earthworks, together with experience using relevant geotechnical design and data management software.
• A relevant degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, engineering geology or a related discipline, ideally with professional qualification through the ICE, Geological Society or an equivalent professional body.
• A collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to lead work across different projects and locations, build strong client relationships, share technical knowledge and contribute to the development of our Ground Engineering capability. A driving licence is required for the role.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact [e-mail] to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Closing Date: 30.11.2026