Graduate Geotechnical Engineer
We are looking for a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer to join our Ground Engineering team in Leeds or Bath. 
Be Challenged
From the first appraisal of the site, through to the completion of construction, safety and economy are our goals Buro Happold's ground engineering team provides Clients with a capability that spans structural, building, civil and environmental engineering. We operate an integrated ground engineering approach where our geotechnical and geo-environmental engineers, and engineering geologists, work together in multi-disciplinary teams throughout the UK and across the BH world including the US and the Middle East.
From the earliest stages of your projects you can be assured of our capability in managing all aspects of ground engineering. This involves geotechnical design for all forms of building and civil engineering structures. It also includes understanding the geological settings and addressing contaminated land issues.
To find out more about our Ground Engineering discipline, please click here.
What sort of projects would I work on?
The work the Ground Engineering team undertakes is diverse in terms of scale, location, development type, and the point at which we are engaged through the life of the project. We strive to ensure that our graduates are given the opportunity to work across a varied portfolio of projects to broaden your skills during the early stages or your career.
Recent projects the team has been involved with include the new Everton Stadium, Battersea Power Station, and Compton & Edrich Stands at Lords
You will be expected to develop a secure understanding of ground behaviour including response to load changes.
Our work spans the full range of ground-related activities from outline schemes through investigation, foundation design, and construction, and a typical work could involve any or all of the following;
- Desk-based assessments of the site geology, history, and possible constraints
- Identifying ground investigation requirements
- Engagement with ground investigation operations
- Using relevant data to develop appropriate and realistic ground models for design
- Carrying out designs for a wide range of geotechnical elements for everything from domestic buildings through to major infrastructure.
We want our staff to see projects through from start to finish so the work involves periods of on site supervision, direction and supporting construction operations. It also involves office-based work including development of investigation strategies, data analysis, and carrying out construction design. Work will include working with other members ground engineering team and engineers and experts from other disciplines.
You will be supported by other senior members of the team, but you will be expected to demonstrate appropriate self-sufficiency in their various tasks for each project. For example;
- Undertake geotechnical assessments and design
- Ensure project work is carried out within agreed timescales and within budget
- Ensure senior staff are informed of important and relevant design decisions and the objectives of the company and the client are achieved
- Coordination of work with other disciplines in the project team
- Under guidance of senior staff, represent Buro Happold at meetings with the client, other professionals and suppliers.
About you:
- MSc in Civil Engineering with a focus on ground engineering
- Secure understanding of soil mechanics and geology and genuine enthusiasm for fundamental engineering and the environment
- Shows real interest in the projects being worked on, likes to understand where their contribution fits
- Actively engages with colleagues on work projects and sees the value of learning from and sharing knowledge with them. You would have built upon academic learning and under guidance applies it into practical project situations
- Motivated and committed to your professional development including route to professional qualification
- You will also require an enthusiasm for engineering geology and the environment and a commitment to learning and developing knowledge in engineering geology and broader ground engineering expertise
- In addition, you should have good numeracy skills, excellent ability to speak and write English fluently, and a logical and pragmatic approach to problem-solving
- The flexibility to travel, including overnight stays on occasion, is essential, and a valid UK driving licence would be advantageous.
Graduates at Buro Happold
When you join Buro Happold you are embedded into an exciting network of engineers and consultants, that supports your career development. We have a Graduate Connect learning programme that targets specific learning and supports your journey to chartership as well as our Young Employee's Forum that links all our young talent in terms of knowledge sharing, learning and very importantly socialising.
We place great importance on a having a safe and inclusive environment and will seek to make any arrangements that may be required to enable all who work with us to thrive. We have flexible working hours and hybrid working, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. If you have any questions about how this could apply to your specific circumstances, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Please see our Early Careers Candidate Pack for further guidance and information
Application Process
We typically complete shortlisting after the role has closed. Therefore, you can expect to hear from us with 2-4 weeks of the job closing on our website. Should you wish to contact us to find out more information or to get an update, please contact earlycareers@burohappold.com
Please note that this role is for an Autumn 2025 start.
A place for everyone
Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.
Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.
We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.
Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.
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