Shape the Future in Geotechnics – NGI’s Trainee Program / Graduate Program 2027

NGI - Norwegian Geotechnical Institute; Oslo; Hybrid; NOK 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diverse social activities

Professional development support

Opportunities for international work

Job summary

NGI - Norwegian Geotechnical Institute is offering a unique trainee program in Geotechnical Engineering for master’s students. This 18-month program based in Oslo or Trondheim allows trainees to rotate through different sections, working alongside experts in geotechnics. Trainees will gain hands-on experience in field and lab investigations and will be permanently employed with a competitive salary. The position emphasizes teamwork, initiative, and a willingness to develop skills in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• You are in the final year of your master’s degree in geotechnical or structural engineering.
• You have a grade point average of A or B.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience across different geotechnical disciplines.
• Participate in field and laboratory investigations.
• Work rotations in various sections and divisions of NGI.

Skills

Ability to thrive in different roles

Teamwork skills

Willingness to learn

Analytical mindset

Education

Master’s degree in geotechnical or structural engineering

Job description

Trainee Program in Geotechnical Engineering at NGI

Are you a master’s student in geotechnical or structural engineering and looking to become part of a world‑leading professional environment? NGI offers Norway’s only trainee program in geotechnical engineering, where you will have a unique opportunity to learn in a multidisciplinary environment alongside world leading experts. You will be permanently employed at NGI Norway with a competitive salary. Through an 18‑month program, you will gain experience across different geotechnical disciplines – both nationally and internationally. The program is designed as a starting point for your journey toward becoming a well‑rounded engineer with strong technical depth, digital skills, and multidisciplinary insight.

NGI is involved in complex projects around the world, and we are looking for dedicated talents who want to contribute to developing sustainable solutions within climate, environment, energy, and societal safety. As a trainee, you will become familiar with projects across borders and gain insight into how your work contributes to strengthening NGI’s societal mission.

What will you learn?

Through the trainee program, you will gain broad experience across different fields, with great opportunities to shape what you learn and have a broader overview of the direction you want to specialize on. You will participate in field and laboratory investigations of soil & rocks properties in both onshore and offshore projects, and you will gain insight into how the results are used in geotechnical analyses and design. Through your work, you will learn how measurements of material behaviour form the foundation for building on safe ground. Altogether, this provides you with a solid introduction to key parts of NGI’s professional activities.

Where will you work at NGI?

You will be based in Oslo or Trondheim and rotate between different sections and divisions. One rotation takes place in our renowned geotechnical laboratory. You will also have the opportunity to work from one of our international offices, in addition to Oslo/Trondheim. NGI has four divisions you will become familiar with: Offshore Energy, Geotechnics and Environment, Natural Hazards, and GeoData and Technology. Your interests and preferences will help determine which sections and divisions you will rotate through.

How will you be supported?

As part of the trainee program, you will receive close follow‑up in several ways. You will be closely supervised by your manager in each rotation and will be assigned an onboarding buddy who will support you during your initial period. In addition, you will be assigned a mentor a few months before starting, who can offer input on your master’s thesis, answer academic questions, and support your personal development before and throughout the trainee program. You will also participate in trainee gatherings to build networks and social belonging with the other trainees. NGI is a place where collaboration is strong, and you become part of a community characterised by professional engagement and a shared desire to develop together.

How long does the trainee program last?

You will start in August 2027 after completing your master’s degree in spring 2027. The program lasts for 18 months. By 2029, you will have completed all rotations, courses, and program elements. After that, we will work together with you to determine where your professional strengths and interests are best applied within NGI.

The social environment at NGI

We are proud of a diverse and active social environment at NGI. We organise various activities such as climbing and surfing trips, shuffleboard tournaments, padel, cageball, and pottery courses, and our annual Christmas revue with its own live band. We regularly participate in the Holmenkollen Relay with our own teams, and whether you enjoy orienteering or yoga, you will find yourself in good company. We also arrange annual cabin/ski trips in the autumn and winter, and offer company cabins that employees can rent.

How To Apply

You apply via our application portal and explain why this programme and NGI appeal to and motivate you. Feel free to describe what makes you a strong candidate for the programme. We require a CV, transcripts, and any other relevant documentation (e.g. certificates, references, or testimonials).

Admission Requirements

• You are a master’s student in geotechnical engineering or structural engineering with a specialisation in geotechnics. You are in the final year of your master’s degree.
• You have a grade point average of A or B.
• You may have demonstrated your ability to thrive in different roles or activities, for example through leadership roles, student assistant roles, or involvement in organisations or sports. We encourage you to highlight this in your application, either in your CV or cover letter.
• We value personal qualities such as willingness to learn, initiative, teamwork skills, flexibility, and an analytical mindset. Please provide examples demonstrating these qualities in your CV or cover letter.

We process applications from August 17, 2026, and hire on a rolling basis until all trainee positions are filled.

We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. As part of our recruitment process, please note that background checks may be conducted on relevant candidates. Those will only be done with the candidate’s consent.