Geotechnical Design Engineer

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Geotechnical Design Engineer with at least 5 years’ experience to join our established European Geotechnical Team, delivering high‑profile geotechnical design and infrastructure projects.We are happy to consider Senior – Associate – Principal levels for this position.

Based in Manchester, Sheffield or Stoke (other offices may also be considered for the right candidate including London, Birmingham and Leeds) the role will focus primarily on major geotechnical design projects within the UK highways sector, including National Highways Geotechnical Certification, with additional exposure to transport, energy transition, carbon capture & storage, renewable energy and low‑carbon engineering developments, as well as a small amount of wider infrastructure and built‑environment work.

The Role

You’ll lead the delivery of geotechnical design projects from planning through to detailed design, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams. The role includes:

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Project and technical leadership

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Client management and proposal support

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Mentoring and coaching less‑experienced engineers

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Desk‑based work alongside site visits across the UK and Ireland

You’ll collaborate with colleagues across Environmental & Earth Sciences, Planning, ESIA, Engineering and Global Advisory on complex and impactful projects, with opportunities for European and international exposure.

Rewards & Benefits

SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licenses, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression.

Our flexible benefits & reward package includes:

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Competitive salary with discretionary bonus

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Company pension

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Private medical insurance

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Life, income, and travel insurance

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Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes

We believe sustainable careers need balance, that’s why we offer:

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Flexible, hybrid and agile working

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25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays

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Buy or sell leave options

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Core working hours

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Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities

Family life and wellbeing matter at SLR:

We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress, and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally.

About You

You’ll bring:

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Extensive experience delivering UK geotechnical design projects, ideally including National Highways work

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A degree in civil engineering, geology, or a related field (MSc desirable)

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Chartered status (CEng or CGeol) or equivalent capability

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Project management and stakeholder engagement experience

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Strong knowledge of relevant design codes, standards and CDM Regulations

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Experience with GEO5, Oasys, GeoStudio, Plaxis or similar geotechnical software

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Strong technical reporting and problem‑solving skills, particularly in preparing Geotechnical Design Reports

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A willingness to travel for short UK and occasional overseas assignments

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A driving licence that permits you to legally drive in the UK

Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you