Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

AECOM · Chesterfield, , United Kingdom

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-09-22
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

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Job description

Job Description
At AECOM, our Ground Engineering Practice serves a wide range of end markets including the energy, water, nuclear (decommissioning and new build), defence, aviation, ports, data centres, highways and rail. We provide one-stop access to services in feasibility and desktop studies, ground investigation, interpretation, detailed design, contract administration, technical advisory and construction supervision for geotechnical works.
We work for leading UK and International clients, including National Grid, BP, Sellafield, Associated British Ports, Transport Scotland, National Highways, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Network Rail, and local authorities, as well as for prominent contractors and developers. Our impressive portfolio features a range of regional and national projects, such as the Great Grid Upgrade, STEP Fusion, pumped storage hydro projects in the Scottish Highlands, Snowdonia VIP, A83 Rest and be Thankful, M54-M6 Link Road, water schemes for various water utilities clients (UK&I) and HMNB Devonport redevelopment. Additionally, we are involved in overseas projects such as Eastlink in Sweden.
As our business continues to expand nationwide, we are dedicated to fostering high-performing teams across all sectors through strong and inspiring leadership.
We are excited to invite applications from candidates located anywhere in the UK!
Technical Director / Associate Director - Ground Engineering Team: In this pivotal senior role, you will drive the technical development of our Ground Engineering team while strengthening its capabilities and supporting business growth through the development and management of strong client relationships.
Here’s what you’ll be doing

• Overseeing input, peer review and verification of geotechnical data and analyses as well as design calculations based on sound technical understanding and experience.

• Providing consultative advice to external partners during all stages of the project life cycle including site-selection and optioneering, design and construction.

• Effectively managing or overseeing geotechnical projects including planning and developing schedules, co-ordination and to meet objectives, programme and budget.

• Providing effective leadership and support to the Ground Engineering team to ensure the successful completion and delivery of projects to clients and internal partners in accordance with time and quality expectations.

• Maintaining a strong industry presence and building relationships with past, current, and prospective customers to support a consistent pipeline of business opportunities. Taking the Ground Engineering lead for the delivery of multi-disciplinary projects to internal and external stakeholders.

• Working collaboratively with other members of the Ground Engineering and Tunnelling team as well as members of Transport, Water, Energy and Buildings and Places teams providing inputs to project works and tenders.

• Ensuring adequate mentoring and development of junior team members, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance and support.

Qualifications
Here’s what you’ll need

• A degree in Civil Engineering or Engineering Geology/Geology, with a 2:1 classification (or equivalent) or higher.

• An MSc/MEng in Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology is advantageous.

• Chartered status.

• Strong knowledge of UK ground conditions and ground investigation practices.

• Demonstrable understanding of current design codes, standards, and best practices in geotechnical design, but also open to exploring new methods and innovations.

• Ability to collaborate closely in project delivery, work winning and maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.

• Knowledge of typical ground conditions interpretation/parametric assessment and correlation methods applicable to common geotechnical design problems.

• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Effective networking capabilities in local, regional, and national markets to promote the AECOM brand as a preferred consulting partner.

• Insightfulness, the ability to recognise opportunities and challenges and make informed decisions.

• Passion for developing team members to be the next generation of talented engineers and leaders.

Additional Information
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector cli

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