insights What does a Ground Engineer do? A look into Ground Engineering at AtkinsRéalis

Imagine blending science, creativity, and problem-solving and you’ve got yourself the role of a Ground Engineer. This profession goes beyond technical excellence - your work is the very fabric of our infrastructure.

Whether you're transforming the efficiency of offshore wind foundations or extending the lifespan of railway and highway earthworks, you’ll be helping to make infrastructure projects around the world more sustainable, affordable, and efficient. 

As a Ground Engineer, you become a guardian of our built environment, solving complex challenges with innovative solutions, and leaving a lasting impact.

We offer a Graduate Scheme in Ground Engineering and Tunnelling, in this piece we will draw attention more closely to the Ground Engineering aspect of this scheme.

Let's explore some insight into the role of a Ground Engineer and why AtkinsRéalis could be the perfect place to carve out your career. 

What is ground engineering?

Ground engineering is an essential field within civil engineering that explores the interplay between earth materials—soil, rock, and groundwater—and the construction of our world’s infrastructure.

It's where nature meets innovation, and where your work can lay the foundation for everything from offshore wind farms to vital roadways.

Ground engineering insights

Ground Engineers are the architects of stability and resilience. We depend on them to ensure that structures are safe, reliable and stand firm against the forces of nature. 

You’ll influence ground engineering solutions at many levels, including site investigation, 3D ground modeling, geohazard and terrain evaluation, earth structures, foundation design, and ground improvement, in both the onshore and offshore environments.

As a Graduate Geologist or Geotechnical Engineer, you could be involved in one of the most exciting sectors in civil and environmental engineering. 

Every day, you’ll contribute to the technical aspects of a variety of engineering and multidisciplinary designs across a range of challenging and exciting projects in the UK and internationally. You could play a part in designing and constructing new and innovative infrastructures. 

Whatever your ambitions, we’ve got a role to match your passion and degree.

That’s a bit of insight into our programme, but what will you be responsible for on a day-to-day basis when you take up Ground Engineering in your Graduate Scheme?

Key duties for Ground Engineering:

• Desk studies and site reconnaissance.
• Site walkovers and inspections.
• Specification, planning and procurement of ground investigations.
• Supervision of ground investigation works on site,
• Checking of factual geotechnical data obtained from ground investigations along with digital data management and reports.
• Development of conceptual and observational ground models.

Develop a career in ground engineering with AtkinsRéalis

In the early stages of your career, every decision matters. That's why we're dedicated to setting you on the right path with our comprehensive range of opportunities.

If you join our global team of over 500 geotechnical professionals—including Geotechnical Engineers and Energy Geoscientists—you'll be in good company. As Geotechnical Engineer Sanduni Walpola aptly puts it: “Teamwork is at the heart of all the projects I have worked on with AtkinsRéalis so far; everyone is striving to deliver excellent work”

We’re actively seeking collaborative professionals like Sanduni to deliver specialist ground engineering solutions and meet the ever-evolving needs of our clients. 

Whether your passion lies in infrastructure projects or the energy sector, including carbon capture and storage, renewable energy, low-carbon engineering, and nuclear power, you'll find your place here. 

Let’s transform our urban legacy together

We’re looking for forward-thinking people who are inspired to build and maintain the structures that communities rely on. In return, we’ll provide a rich learning environment, where expertise and mentorship go hand in hand.

As part of our team, you’ll help to deliver the technical aspects of a range of engineering and multidisciplinary designs. 

Our projects are as varied as they are challenging, spanning both the UK and international landscapes. 

You'll have the chance to dive into areas that truly spark your interest, with the flexibility to balance work, life, and study.

Research our Graduate Schemes today or sign up to our Connectr platform today for tips and advice on applying.