Geotechnical Engineer

Babbage Consultants; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Babbage Consultants in Christchurch, NZ, is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to take increasing ownership of projects and build strong client relationships within our Christchurch team. You will work alongside our civil, structural and environmental specialists on a mix of office-based and site work.

We value initiative, clear communication and commercial awareness, with opportunities to mentor graduates and grow into greater project leadership. NZ-owned, employee-owned practice.

Qualifications

• Degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering (BE or BSc (Eng)).
• About 4+ years of geotechnical consultancy experience, ideally in NZ.
• Strong grounding in geotechnical engineering, geology and site investigations.

Responsibilities

• Take increasing ownership of projects from scoping through investigation, design, reporting and construction support.
• Plan and supervise geotechnical investigations and site work; interpret data and prepare technical reports.
• Manage programme, budget, scope, information requirements and project risks; identify variations early.
• Build trusted client relationships; coordinate with regulators and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support and mentor graduate engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project management

Client relationships

Report writing

Data interpretation

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Geotechnical or Civil Engineering degree

Tools

Geotechnical software

Job description

Geotechnical Engineer - Christchurch

At Babbage Consultants, we’re proudly NZ owned, and an employee-owned multi-disciplinary practice bringing together architecture, engineering, planning and environmental expertise to deliver projects that make a real impact across Aotearoa.

We’re looking for a Geotechnical Engineer who wants to take increasing ownership of projects, build strong client relationships and grow their technical and project leadership capability within our Christchurch team.

This is an opportunity to join a close-knit and collaborative geotechnical team, delivering practical solutions for public and private-sector clients across predominantly commercial and industrial projects. You’ll work closely with our civil, structural and environmental specialists and contribute to a mix of office-based and site work.

The Role

In this role, you’ll combine sound technical judgement with proactive project management, clear communication and commercial awareness.

• Take increasing ownership of projects from initial scoping through investigation, design, reporting and construction support.
• Plan and supervise geotechnical investigations and site work, interpret data, and prepare clear technical reports and practical design solutions.
• Manage programme, budget, scope, fee allowances, information requirements and project risks, identifying variations and escalating issues early.
• Build trusted client relationships and coordinate proactively with clients, contractors, regulators and Babbage’s multidisciplinary teams throughout delivery.
• Support and mentor graduate and junior engineers, contribute to knowledge sharing, and help maintain high technical and professional standards.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll be a proactive, solutions-focused engineer who enjoys taking initiative and is ready to grow their project responsibilities.

You’ll also bring:

• A degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering (BE or BSc (Eng)).
• Around 4+ years’ relevant geotechnical consultancy experience, ideally including experience in the New Zealand market.
• Strong grounding in geotechnical engineering, geology, investigations, design and construction practices, with proficiency in relevant design and analysis tools.
• An organised and commercially aware approach, with clear communication skills and the ability to build productive working relationships.
• Working towards CPEng with Engineering New Zealand and motivated to grow into greater technical and project responsibility.

Why Join Us?

At Babbage, you’ll work on varied and technically challenging projects across Canterbury and throughout New Zealand, with opportunities to contribute to Australian projects alongside our Melbourne team. You’ll be part of a close-knit, supportive and social team that values initiative, collaboration and professional growth. As a proud NZ-owned, multi-disciplinary consultancy, your work will have a real and lasting impact on our clients and communities.