Geotechnical Site Engineer
Location: Leeds
Reporting to: Ground Investigations Manager
About the Role
We are seeking a Geotechnical Site Engineer to join a growing engineering team delivering a diverse range of projects across the UK. This role offers the opportunity to work across the full project lifecycle, from desk studies and site investigations through to ground model development, geotechnical analysis, and reporting.
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality geotechnical and geoenvironmental investigations, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to relevant industry standards. The position involves regular site work, including supervising subcontractors and managing ground investigation activities nationwide.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review project briefs and agree deliverables with clients and internal stakeholders.
- Provide geotechnical engineering support across a portfolio of projects, ensuring compliance with quality, programme and budget requirements.
- Prepare project specifications, schedules of activities, budgets, target costs and programmes.
- Support commercial processes, including progress reporting and project financial management.
- Undertake feasibility studies, desk studies and site reconnaissance visits.
- Arrange, supervise and manage subcontractors, ensuring works are completed safely, efficiently and in line with project requirements.
- Supervise site investigations across the UK, including occasional out-of-hours and weekend working where required.
- Log and sample soils in accordance with relevant British Standards.
- Produce and review factual and interpretive ground investigation reports.
- Assist with foundation and geotechnical design work in accordance with UK standards and project requirements.
- Take ownership of delegated project tasks and ensure their successful delivery.
- Maintain accurate records and supporting documentation for project activities.
- Provide regular progress updates to project managers.
- Stay informed of relevant legislation, particularly Health & Safety and CDM regulations.
- Review engineering documentation and assess technical feasibility, compliance and project risks.
- Support the preparation of accurate cost estimates and proposals for new projects.
- Review method statements and risk assessments where required.
- Liaise with construction teams, site managers and other stakeholders.
- Support and mentor junior team members when appropriate.
- Travel to and work from other regional offices or project locations as necessary.
Qualifications
- Degree (BSc, BEng, MSc or MEng) in Civil Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Minimum of two years' experience within ground investigation or geotechnical engineering.
- Membership of a relevant professional institution is desirable.
- Full UK driving licence.
Experience
- Good understanding of relevant industry legislation, standards and best practice.
- Experience planning and managing competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to assess engineering challenges and contribute to practical, risk-based solutions.
- Experience producing high-quality technical reports and engineering deliverables.
- Working knowledge of British Standards and Eurocode design principles.
- Progress towards professional chartership (e.g. ICE or Geological Society) would be advantageous.
Skills & Attributes:
- Enthusiastic, proactive and flexible approach to work.
- Self-motivated with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Professional approach with excellent attendance and time management.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent technical report-writing ability.
- High level of numerical accuracy and analytical capability.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, plans and technical reports.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using GIS software, including ArcGIS and/or QGIS.
- Knowledge of CAD software would be beneficial.
- Familiarity with geotechnical or structural analysis software is advantageous but not essential.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of geotechnical and ground investigation projects throughout the UK.
- Exposure to projects from initial feasibility through to construction.
- Professional development and support towards chartership.
- Collaborative and supportive working environment with opportunities for career progression.