What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Geotechnical Design Engineer position at Tetra Tech?
Shape the ground beneath major infrastructure.
Join Coffey Geotechnics, A Tetra Tech Company as a Senior Geotechnical Engineer and bring your technical expertise to challenging infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. You’ll work alongside experienced geotechnical specialists, combining advanced design, practical problem-solving and site experience to develop solutions that make a tangible difference.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
You’ll deliver geotechnical engineering across projects ranging from detailed design and ground investigation to earthworks, slope stability, settlement and ground movement assessments. Your work will cover permanent and temporary works across Highways, Rail, Property, Water, Defence and Energy, combining office-based technical delivery with site supervision.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Coffey Geotechnics, you’ll apply your expertise to technically complex projects while developing practical, innovative solutions that create value for our clients.
Your Impact in this position
You’ll take ownership of projects and technical deliverables, designing foundations, slopes, retaining walls and other geotechnical elements, as well as assessing existing structures and developing remedial solutions.
Beyond design, you’ll guide junior colleagues, build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, and contribute to successful proposals and new opportunities. You’ll communicate complex technical information clearly and play an active role in maintaining high standards of quality, safety and professional practice.
5 Core Capabilities
- Technical Excellence: Apply strong geotechnical principles, Eurocode 7 and UK design standards to deliver robust, practical engineering solutions using tools such as PLAXIS, FREW, SLIDE and Settle3D.
- Project Delivery: Manage technically complex projects from investigation and analysis through to design, documentation and site delivery.
- Collaboration & Leadership: Work effectively across multidisciplinary teams while providing technical direction and support to developing engineers.
- Client & Commercial Focus: Build strong client relationships, understand project needs and translate technical expertise into valuable solutions and new opportunities.
- Communication & Innovation: Present complex information clearly and confidently while challenging conventional approaches and contributing innovative design solutions.
Training, Qualifications & Experience
You’ll have a degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline, with relevant geotechnical consultancy experience. A postgraduate qualification is advantageous. Chartered status, or demonstrable progress towards it, is desirable, alongside a current driving licence and CSCS certification. Experience with industry-standard geotechnical modelling software is valued.
Working Environment
Based in Harrogate, the role combines office-based design with site supervision and occasional project travel across the UK and internationally, including periods at other Coffey offices or client sites.
About Coffey, A Tetra Tech Company
Coffey is at the forefront of delivering design and feasibility solutions for engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, and geo-environmental projects. The core of our business is geotechnical design consultancy including engineering geological, design for infrastructure projects (road and rail), water, energy, buildings and land developments.
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.