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Ground Engineering & Tunnelling (UK)

who we
are

As an international leading supplier of geotechnical consultancy services, Atkins offers a comprehensive service in Ground Engineering and Tunnelling (GE&T). We are part of a global practice of over 500 geotechnical professionals with more than 300 staff based in the UK. Our geotechnical reputation is built on the skills, excellence and commitment of our people in all aspects of geotechnical engineering.

We are looking to increase our team to meet the growing demands from our clients, especially in the infrastructure sector (rail, highways & water) and the energy sector which includes carbon capture & storage, renewable energy (wind, current and hydro-power), low carbon engineering and nuclear power. We are looking for staff with the drive and enthusiasm to embrace the future. We have the depth of knowledge and breadth of expertise to help you build a bright career in this exciting and rapidly evolving sector.

This is a split image on the top half it has the logo for Ground Engineering + Tunnelling. On the bottom half it is a team wearing safety equipment infront of scaffolding
Charity video cover

Meet
Charity

Charity joined Atkins as a graduate and has enjoyed developing her career and her passions. In this short film, she shares her day at home, in the office and on-site. “I went into a career in engineering because I really enjoy solving problems and also want to make a difference to society”.

ourvalue

Delivering ground engineering right first time has a major impact on the sustainability, affordability and efficiency of global Infrastructure. Our staff have a reputation for innovation and adding value for our clients in different ways, for example, by transforming the efficiency of offshore wind foundations and prolonging the life of railway and highway earthworks. Our sustainability focus enables our clients to achieve ‘more for less’ and makes an important contribution to the decarbonisation of Infrastructure. Our world class Ground Engineering and Tunnelling team has a diverse range of skills and combined with our digital capability, we help our clients achieve beyond their project aspirations and in the process, we offer unrivalled career opportunities to help you become the professional you want to be.

Our  markets

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      • As one of the industry leaders, our Railway Geotechnics discipline is engaged at all project lifecycle stages including site inspection, ground investigation, detailed design and construction support
      • Our clients require value engineered solutions and an important part of our work is developing automation through the use of digital tools
      • We are a recognised framework partner and work closely with a number of Contractors providing buildable solutions to extend the life of railway assets
      • We are lead designer on East West Rail Phase 2, which re-introduces passenger services between Oxford and Cambridge and covers over 70km of earthworks and the Engineering Delivery Partner on Phase 1 of HS2
      • Network Rail are a key client and we are actively involved with many projects across their 5 UK regions

our projects

Just a sample of the great work our team deliver on such a range of projects. At Atkins we have the opportunity to make an impact on meaningful projects every day.

Our technical  disciplines

This is a image of a landslide next to a road bridge and railway

Engineering Geology

  • Ground Investigation & Characterisation
  • Engineering Geomorphology, Geohazards and Ground Modelling 
  • Geotechnical Data Management 
  • Digital 
  • Ground Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering 

  • Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures
  • Seismic Geotechnics
  • Ground Engineering Numerical Analysis
  • Offshore Geotechnics
  • Ground Movement and Asset Protection
  • Dispute Resolution and Due Diligence


Transportation and Linear Assets

  • Earthworks and Natural Slopes
  • Rail Geotechnics
  • Highway Geotechnics
  • Tunnel Ventilation and Fire Life Safety
  • Tunnel and Shafts

Rock Engineering

  • Rock Engineering
  • Sprayed Concrete Lining and Rock Tunnelling
  • Underground Energy Storage

This is a image of ground work being made next to a railway

A day in
The Life

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This is a image of Bhagi infront of a EWR Alliance sign

A summer internship with the Geotechnical Team in Atkins opened the doors for me to pursue a career in Geotechnical Engineering. My background was in Civil and Structural, so I wasn’t 100% sure what it was going to be like when I joined as a Graduate, five years ago. At first it was almost like re-training my way of thinking - not to look for exact numbers and understanding that geotechnics often deals with natural materials in soils and rocks, with larger uncertainties. Over the years, I have found that’s the most intriguing aspect of Ground Engineering.

One of the things I enjoy the most about my job is the opportunity it offers to be involved in varied and challenging work across many sectors ranging from rail, highway, nuclear, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater, ports and maritime. l’ve provided design support to the geotechnical elements of Beckton STW, the largest sewage treatment plant in Europe; and undertaken a post-dredge assessment of the Camber Dock, Portsmouth for the America’s Cup.

The work varies from project to project. I’ve supported the seismic team in nuclear new build projects, which involved working in more complex numerical modelling using finite difference software and programming automation tools such as Python to assess the soil structure interactions. Whereas working on an expert witness job exposed me to a legal claim against the contractor in relation to cracking and step changes in level across movement joints in the floor slab.

I am currently part of the Earthworks Team for Sizewell C Enabling Works, which aims to prepare the main development site for the efficient execution of the main Civils and Marine Works construction. The earthworks involve the excavation, transport, storage and placement of approximately 9M m3 of site won material and 2M m3 of imported material. I am supporting the earthworks strategy and co-ordination package on the cut and fill balance calculation for the site. Teamwork is at the heart of all the projects I have worked on with Atkins so far; everyone is striving to deliver excellent work.

This is a image of craig in a high-vis

As an engineering geologist within Atkins I get to work on some exciting projects that are worth getting out of bed for. They range from small slope stability assessments for residential property through to £3BILLION megaprojects such as the A9 Dualling for Transport Scotland. Since joining Atkins in 2015 I have had the opportunity to work on a range of technical challenges but have always been drawn to geohazards and the assessment of natural slopes.

I am part of the team working on the A83 Access to Argyll and Bute project, helping to develop a medium and long term solution to provide resilience against natural hazards for the people of Argyll and Bute. On large, fast paced, projects like this I get to work with topic experts from a range of disciplines that I learn a lot from.

One of the things I love most about my job is the fact I still get to do site work. We learn so much from putting boots on the ground (and sometimes drones in the sky) to help develop our understanding of the ground conditions and how the impact our projects. One of the benefits of being up in Scotland is that a lot of our site work just happens to be in some pretty special scenery! Even when my work is desk based geologists are always having to use their imagination to picture what is going on in 3D, just in their head instead.

Ground Engineering & Tunnelling offers great support to those with new ideas and encourage innovation and personal development. Over the last few years I have been supported in building an aerial survey and remote sensing team within Ground Engineering & Tunnelling. I now get to lead a team of 14 engineers that bring value to our business and push our industry forward using new technology and non-traditional methods for assessing our sites.

This is a image of Tom in a tunnel

A day in the life as part of the Atkins Tunnelling team can vary drastically depending on the projects you’re working. One day you can be in the office undertaking detailed design for some of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, the next you can be deep underground inspecting existing tunnels or supervising construction works.

As part of the design team on the Thames Tideway project, I often experience both ends of the spectrum and everything in between. My responsibilities include leading sections of the detailed design of many underground structures involving undertaking calculations, producing design reports, liaising with the Client and supporting site teams. Conversely, before joining the Tideway project, I was inspecting existing tunnels in London and Surrey that could not have been more different. This included two nights spent in a reinforced concrete segmental tunnel formed using a tunnel boring machine vs an afternoon in hand dug sandstone ‘caves’ dating as far back as the 17th century.

The Tunnelling team is an experienced and supportive group dedicated to collaboration and innovation. Being able to work on large scale national and internal projects or smaller opportunities working directly with clients and end users, you’ll get a balanced and diverse experience. Outside of work, the team are extremely friendly and enjoy varied socials regularly.

Our  leadership team

This is a image of Andrew Benson

Andrew Benson

GE&T Practice Director

This is a image of Tracey Radford

Tracey Radford

GE&T Practice Manager, London and South East

This is a image of Jon Esser

Ady Koe

GE&T Practice Manager, Midlands, South West and Wales

This is a image of Susan Pollard

Susan Pollard

GE&T Practice Manager, North, Scotland and Northern Ireland

jobs

Our latest Jobs

Senior/Principal/Associate Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist

Salary

Location

London

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

Cambridge

Croydon

London

Epsom

Description

Please click here to view our Ground Engineering & Tunnelling (UK) Landing PageWe are currently recruiting staff at Senior/Principal/Associate level in our London, Epsom, Croydon and Cambridge offices

Reference

R-075359

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

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Assistant Tunnel Engineer

Salary

Location

Epsom

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

West Midlands

London

Epsom

Glasgow

Description

Tunnels and underground structures form an increasingly critical part of modern-day infrastructure.This infrastructure provides economic, societal and environmental benefits through the facilitation o

Reference

R-106466

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

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Junior 3D Ground Modeller

Salary

Location

UK

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

United Kingdom

Description

We have a great opportunity for an ambitious 3D Ground Modelling Specialist to join our Ground Engineering & Tunnelling Team.  We are seeking someone with modelling software and data management capabi

Reference

R-106462

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

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3D Ground Modeller

Salary

Location

UK

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

United Kingdom

Description

If you’re a Geologist or an Engineering Geologist with a strong background in 3D ground modelling, here’s an opportunity to play a prominent role in the AtkinsRéalis Ground Engineering & Tunnelling Te

Reference

R-106461

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

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Geotechnical Engineer / Senior Geotechnical Engineer/Engineering Geologist

Salary

Location

Bristol

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

West Midlands

Bristol

Cardiff

Description

We have an opportunity for staff at both Engineer and Senior Engineer level in our Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff offices to help support our rapidly expanding workload and impressive portfolio of p

Reference

R-106459

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

Dwithi M
Dwithi M

Author

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Geotechnical Engineer / Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Salary

Location

Epsom

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Epsom

Description

We have an opportunity for a Geotechnical Engineer or Senior Geotechnical Engineer, ideally located in the South East to support our impressive portfolio of prestigious geotechnical projects both in t

Reference

R-106458

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

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Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer

Salary

Location

Warrington

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

Warrington

Leeds

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Sheffield

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Description

Please click here to view our Ground Engineering & Tunneling (UK) Landing PageWe have an opportunity for an experienced Principal/Associate Geotechnical Engineer based in our Warrington, Leeds, Newcas

Reference

R-106454

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

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Associate or Chief Marine Geoscientist/Geophysicist

Salary

Location

Epsom

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Epsom

Glasgow

Description

We have a great opportunity in our UK team for an ambitious Marine Geoscientist, Energy Geoscientist or Marine Geophysicist to join our experienced and dynamic team, to help deliver a range of project

Reference

R-106448

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

Dwithi M
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Senior or Principal Marine Geoscientist/Geophysicist

Salary

Location

Epsom

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Epsom

Glasgow

Description

We have a great opportunity in our UK team for an ambitious Marine Geoscientist, Energy Geoscientist or Marine Geophysicist to join our experienced and dynamic team, to help deliver a range of project

Reference

R-106446

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

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Senior/Principal Sediment Dynamics Engineer

Salary

Location

Epsom

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Epsom

Glasgow

Description

We have a great opportunity in our UK team for an ambitious Sediment Dynamics Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary Marine Geo-team, with a focus on acting as technical lead for seabed mobility and

Reference

R-106445

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

Dwithi M
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Author

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Senior/Principal Cable Route Engineer

Salary

Location

Epsom

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Epsom

Glasgow

Description

We have a great opportunity in our UK team for an ambitious Cable Route Engineer to join our experienced and dynamic Marine Geo-team, with a focus on offshore cable route analysis and CBRA.With more t

Reference

R-106444

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

Dwithi M
Dwithi M

Author

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Chartered/Senior Tunnel Engineer

Salary

Location

London

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Description

Open to all AtkinsRéalis UK office locations. London, EpsomTunnels and underground structures form an increasingly critical part of modern-day infrastructure.This infrastructure provides economic, soc

Reference

R-106439

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

Dwithi M
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Author

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Chief Geotechnical Engineer / Technical Director

Salary

Location

West Midlands

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

West Midlands

Warrington

Description

We have an opportunity for an experienced and dynamic Chief Geotechnical Engineer / Technical Director for either our Birmingham or Warrington offices to help support our rapidly expanding workload an

Reference

R-106438

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

Dwithi M
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Author

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Senior/Principal/Associate Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist

Salary

Location

West Midlands

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

West Midlands

Cardiff

Description

Please click here to view our Ground Engineering & Tunnelling (UK) Landing PageWe have an opportunity for an experienced Senior/Principal/Associate Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist based

Reference

R-106435

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

Dwithi M
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Author

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Senior/Principal/Chief Geotechnical Engineer – Offshore

Salary

Location

London

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Geotechnical engineering

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Epsom

Bristol

Glasgow

Description

Please click here to view our Ground Engineering & Tunnelling (UK) Landing Page’. We have an opportunity for experienced Senior, Principal and Chief Geotechnical Engineers with strong technical creden

Reference

R-106428

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Dwithi M

Author

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