Graduate Geotechnical Engineer

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

We are looking for a graduate to join our UK team in our new London office.

Your next role

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.

What would I do?

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.

What's in it for you?

• Broad insight within a team, mentored by a subject matter expert. The opportunity to experience our culture and value, and learn what sets us apart from other organisations. Exposure to a wide range of portfolios, including local community led projects and global large scale clients. The diversity of the projects we work on is one of the many reasons Engineers love to work at Buro Happold.
• A plethora of interesting and challenging projects to stretch your professional skills, a friendly and close knit team, flexible working and a competitive reward package. The opportunity to work on multidisciplinary projects aside a range of specialist engineers and designers both within Buro Happold and our collaborators.
• Opportunity to be supported (or even join) our Young Employee's Forum in your local office, join bi-annual events/trips, and contribute your experience and learnings to the next generation of engineers through various outreach activities.
• Our Graduate Connect program allows our Graduates to learn the fundamentals of design and technology whilst building a base in consulting and professional skills. This is a blended learning programme where participants gain experience against our internal professional and technical frameworks in relation to their specialism.
• We see membership of a professional body and professional registration as crucial to the development of our engineers and offer substantial support to those aspiring to achieve this. We aim to support employees to achieve the highest level of membership and registration their academic background allows.

Please see our Early Careers Candidate Pack for further guidance and information.

How long does the process take?

The recruitment timeline can vary depending on the role and team you are applying to. Successful applications are progressed to interview stage within 2-3 months from the closing date of the advert, but it is good to know that the whole process can take up to 6 months. We will endeavour to keep you informed throughout the time that your application is being considered, however, due to the volume of applications received and the size of our team, we are not able to respond to individual requests for status updates.

This role is for current students or recent graduates for an Autumn 2024 start.

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of the way 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 and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing difference 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.