Chief Geotechnical Engineer

Take our vision into the future. You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We’re proud to say it’s thanks to our people’s diversity of thought, expertise, and knowledge. When you join us, you’ll be part of this genuinely collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is valued and treated equally.

Overview

We’re passionate about what we do, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Simply put, this is a great place to be. We offer flexible and remote working policies designed to help you get the most out of life.

We have an opportunity for an experienced Chief Geotechnical Engineer with strong technical and business development credentials for a technical leadership role based in Scotland, either in our Glasgow or Edinburgh office. The role supports our increasing workload in the UK and globally. AtkinsRéalis has an impressive current portfolio of nuclear, energy, road, rail, defence and metro tunnelling projects both in the UK and overseas. In Scotland our portfolio includes major road infrastructure (A9, A83), onshore and offshore renewables, power grid reinforcement, and new builds. We support local councils and national clients, including Forests and Land Scotland and Transport Scotland, as well as major nuclear new builds and defence infrastructure projects.

As one of the UK’s leading geotechnical consultancies, AtkinsRéalis offers a comprehensive service in ground engineering and tunnelling. With more than 345 UK‑based professionals, our reputation is built on the skills, excellence, and commitment of our people. We are seeking to expand the current team of dedicated technical specialists to deliver exciting commissions and to extend our capability within the UK and worldwide through our global, connected practices.

Your role

We are looking for an experienced technical leader in ground engineering with a proven track record of leading complex geotechnical projects and delighting clients. As a recognised specialist in Scotland and the UK, you will support delivery and technical development of ground engineering projects. You will bring hands‑on knowledge of the ground engineering industry, delivery of major projects, innovation, and academic collaboration. You will support a team of over 35 engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers.

• Design of geotechnical structures for onshore renewables, road and rail, power systems, and water management at a range of scales and design complexity.
• Practical knowledge of delivery for major infrastructure clients in Scotland.
• Experience in design coordination, leadership, and building strong team, client, and contractor relationships to deliver high quality outcomes.
• Providing pragmatic and constructive design reviews to support ‘right‑first‑time’ project delivery.
• Providing commercial and technical bid proposal reviews to support efficient and effective work‑winning delivery.

About You

• A strong academic background with a relevant degree, ideally an MSc or PhD, and holding Chartered status with a relevant institution.
• Excellent technical skills and numeracy, acquired through academic training and subsequent industry application. Understanding of geotechnical variability and design in soil and rock for earthworks, foundations, retaining structures, and slopes.
• Awareness of soil‑structure interaction workflows, modelling tools, dynamic soil behaviour, and seismic design.
• Extensive industry network and influence, active participation in wider industry activities and industry‑academic partnerships.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of current policy, legislation, and standards applicable in geotechnical engineering.
• Demonstrated technical expertise and leadership, proactively coaching and developing early‑career professionals. A desire to drive digital innovation and advance AtkinsRéalis’ capability in advanced geotechnical analysis.

In Addition To That, We Expect

• High motivation to succeed, progress, and develop your career.
• A collaborative personality suited to multidisciplinary national and international projects.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, able to produce clear and concise reports or presentations.
• Willingness to travel on short assignments within the UK and overseas for challenging projects or conference participation.

Reward & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive at every stage of your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a range of benefits you can tailor to suit your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Take advantage of abundant training and professional development opportunities to grow your skills. Combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and a fulfilling personal life.

About AtkinsRéalis

We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organisation. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Together with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We’re committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of five years or longer. If applying to this role, please do not reference any current or previously held security clearance in your application or CV.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. We offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.

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