Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Gibb Ritchie Geotechnical Engineers Limited; Auckland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Paid professional memberships

Job summary

A specialized geotechnical consultancy is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Auckland. The role offers substantial responsibility in design, analysis, and reporting across diverse projects. You will mentor junior engineers while leading geotechnical design outputs. Candidates should have 6-10+ years' experience, a degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering, and proficiency in geotechnical software. The position includes professional development opportunities and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years’ relevant geotechnical engineering experience.
• Actively progressing toward or already achieved CPEng.
• Ability to produce clear, concise, consent-ready reports.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality geotechnical design, analysis, and reporting.
• Lead and deliver geotechnical design outputs for various structures.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and supervision to junior staff.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Design expertise

Technical problem solving

Communication skills

Mentoring junior staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil / Geotechnical Engineering

Postgraduate qualifications

Tools

Geotechnical software (e.g., Slope stability analysis)

Job description

As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer, you will play a key technical role within Gibb Ritchie, taking personal responsibility for the delivery of high-quality geotechnical design, analysis and reporting across a broad range of projects.

You will work with a high degree of professional autonomy, contributing advanced technical judgement, mentoring developing engineers, and providing robust outputs that support planning approvals, detailed design and construction. This role also offers a genuine opportunity to help shape workflows, technical standards and the future direction of a growing specialist consultancy.

Key responsibilities include:

Taking personal responsibility for ground models, geotechnical analysis, design and reporting

Leading and delivering geotechnical design outputs, including foundations, slopes, retaining structures and earthworks (as appropriate to expertise)

Producing clear, well-structured and technically robust interpretive reports, drawings and specifications suitable for clients, planners and regulators

Applying sound professional judgement to manage geotechnical risk and uncertainty

Using geotechnical analysis and design software to support efficient, defensible outcomes

Reviewing and finalising work produced by graduate and intermediate staff

Providing technical guidance, mentoring and informal supervision to developing engineers and geologists

Supporting site investigations and targeted fieldwork where required to inform design and reporting

Engaging constructively with clients, planners and project teams to support successful project outcomes

Working consistently with quality, health, safety and environmental systems

Contributing to improvements in technical processes, systems and standards as the business continues to grow

You will work closely with the Directors and Principals but operate with minimal supervision, producing work that typically requires little revision at senior review, and demonstrating accountability for both technical quality and project outcomes.

Requirements

We are looking for a capable and grounded senior professional who enjoys technical problem solving, takes ownership of their work, and cares about clear communication and high standards.

You will typically have:

6–10+ years’ relevant geotechnical engineering experience

Bachelor’s degree in Civil / Geotechnical Engineering (postgraduate qualifications advantageous)

Actively progressing toward or already achieved CPEng

Strong applied understanding of geotechnical engineering principles and local ground conditions

Demonstrated capability in geotechnical analysis, design and interpretive reporting

Practical experience with geotechnical software, such as Slope stability analysis, Foundation and bearing capacity assessment, earthworks and retaining design, seismic assessments

Ability to produce clear, concise, consent-ready reports and drawings

Confidence working with minimal direction, while knowing when to seek peer input

Ability to review, guide and support junior staff constructively

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Well‑developed organisation and time management skills

Commitment to quality work practices and safe systems of work

Full NZ driver’s licence and eligibility to work in New Zealand

About the Company

Gibb Ritchie Geotechnical Engineers is a specialist geotechnical consultancy built around capable people doing meaningful work.

We focus on high-quality investigation, analysis, design and risk communication for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. We value clear thinking, sound judgement and practical engineering outcomes over unnecessary complexity.

As a senior team member, you’ll have real influence — not just delivering projects, but helping shape how we work as the business grows.

What we offer

At Gibb Ritchie, we want good people to do good work and build strong careers. When you join us, you can expect:

Meaningful Work & Technical Ownership

Senior responsibility for design and reporting on interesting, technically challenging projects

Opportunity to Help Shape the Business

Influence technical standards, templates, systems and workflows in a growing consultancy

Professional Development & Career Progression

Ongoing mentoring and structured support toward Chartered or Professional registration

Clear pathways toward Associate or Principal roles as capability and interests develop

Supportive, Experienced Team

A collaborative environment that values sound judgement, quality engineering and professional integrity

Client & Consulting Exposure

Direct engagement with clients, planners and project teams on real‑world problems

Strong Professional Standards

Well‑established quality, safety and delivery systems that support good engineering

Competitive salary based on experience and capability, including bonus structure

Financial and mentoring support toward professional registration

Paid professional memberships (where appropriate)

Flexible working arrangements where practical

Supportive team culture and approachable leadership

Genuine long‑term role within a growing specialist consultancy