Geotechnical engineers are master geologists and engineers combined in one profession. They understand the behavior and properties of soil, rock, and other materials that make up the earth. Geotechnical engineers typically work in the construction and infrastructure industries, and their primary responsibilities are to ensure the stability and safety of buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure projects through geotech engineering.

 

Geotechnical engineers often conduct site investigations and collect soil and rock samples to analyze the characteristics of the materials at the site. Based on the site investigation data, geotechnical engineers design foundations, retaining structures, and other components of the infrastructure project to ensure that they are safe and durable. They must assess the potential risks associated with the construction site, such as soil instability, landslides, and earthquakes, and design measures to mitigate these risks. Soil engineering plays a big role in a geotechnical engineer’s job.

 

In addition, geotechnical engineers will be involved in supervising the construction of an infrastructure project to guarantee that the design specifications are being followed. Geotechnical engineers also actively take into consideration the impact of building on the environment, designing measures to minimize any negative impact. An eye for detail, a passion for geology, and a strong team working attitude are all a part of the job as a geotech engineer.

 

Geotech engineers can find opportunities in a number of sectors where geotechnical services are needed. Sectors include construction, energy, transportation, and the environment.

Apply now for a job as a Geotechnical engineer! 

Instrument Control Engineer

Location: Kwinana

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 4 years

Design and enhance engineering solutions to optimise plant performance, reduce delays, and lower lifecycle costs of process control systems. Develop and improve process control strategies including PID tuning and alarm rationalisation. Maintain and configure PLCs, SCADA systems (AB Studio 5000, FTView SE), and field instrumentation. Commission and support VSDs, DOLs, network switches, and other control assets. Conduct software updates, firmware patches, documentation, and reporting as part of continuous improvement. Predict and analyse maintenance needs and lead failure investigations. Contribute to risk assessments and mitigation planning using enterprise frameworks. Support technician development in control and instrumentation areas.

Cost Engineer / Senior Cost Engineer

Location: Brisbane

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 3 years

To work with the Cost Lead and Lead Cost Engineer on the consolidation of the Feasex, Expex, Capex portfolio costs for Upstream and Midstream Maintain and update cost databases and assist in the collection of relevant data Coordination of the Change Management process including maintenance of trend register Continuous improvement of processes Preparation of monthly Joint Venture billings Collation of material for management presentations and meetings Assist in producing the cost reports to be issued to the Group Perform Project Services for one or more projects that have a strategic impact on a single functional or organisational discipline Deploy advanced techniques to solve multiple related project services issues Coordinate activities within own area of expertise Some exposure to interaction with business leadership Work within boundaries of the Company's overall Project Services policies and general agreements Has some autonomy in adjusting objectives, policies and plans independently

Project Engineer - Subdivision's

Location: Darwin

Branche: Infrastructure

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 2 years

Project Coordination: Assist in planning and execution of subdivision projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timelines. Site Management: Oversee construction activities, ensuring quality, safety, and environmental compliance. Stakeholder Liaison: Work closely with contractors, consultants, councils, and utility providers to ensure smooth project progression. Technical Oversight: Monitor and review engineering designs, specifications, and construction methodologies. Compliance & Safety: Ensure all work meets local regulations, industry standards, and safety protocols. Reporting & Documentation: Maintain accurate project records, progress reports, and compliance documentation.

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Location: Perth

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Validation

Experience: 5 years

Lead all mechanical works across fixed plant construction and commissioning phases Oversee installation and mechanical completion of crushers, conveyors, mills, pumps, and other infrastructure Manage inspections, punchlisting, QA/QC, and system handover to operations Interface with construction, commissioning, operations, and vendor teams to resolve technical issues Ensure safety, compliance, and engineering standards are maintained at all stages of delivery Contribute to planning and support startup of mechanical systems

Project Engineer

Location: Melville

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 4 years

As the project enters its Basic Engineering and Option Analysis phase (FEL 2) in mid-2025, you'll play a pivotal role in design coordination, project planning, and stakeholder alignment - all within a high-performing, collaborative project team. Support FEL 2 activities, including basic engineering and option analysis Coordinate infrastructure design inputs across multidisciplinary teams Assist in developing and managing project scopes and schedules Ensure alignment with engineering standards and project governance frameworks Facilitate effective communication and coordination among project stakeholders

Process Safety Engineer

Location: Perth

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: HSEQ

Experience: 5 years

Identify, assess, and manage hazards with a particular focus on accident events with potential to impact personnel, e.g. multiple fatalities or process safety events. Leading and coaching the business in process safety management Regulatory management and engagement - lead and coaching Facilitation of workshops Provide advice, coaching and support on Safety in Design and Process Safety Management aspects to Woodside and Contractor operations/development/project Responsible for the definition, planning and coordination of process safety activities within nominated areas of responsibility Responsible for the delivery of the safety in design engineering aspects in accordance with agreed scopes of work Responsible for the meeting of standards, process and procedures for integrity management Responsible to ensure that discipline specific competency is current and skill development plan in place for key gaps Responsible for ensuring inherent safety principals are followed by engineers within nominated areas of responsibility, and that risks are ALARP Agree with Technical Authority the key technical risks and mitigations plans in place for their management Respond to technical queries from service recipients in the required timeframe Review contractor safety in design documentation on behalf of Woodside, including point accountability for squad check comment resolution in the required timeframe Promote and implement continuous improvement opportunities in line with Woodside health and safety policy, standards, procedures and guidelines Contribute to establishing and building internal capability, through development of people and incorporation of lessons learnt.

CSU Engineer

Location: Brisbane

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Validation

Experience: 4 years

Act as senior site representative in the absence of the CSU Superintendent Prepare the relevant commissioning procedures & documentation support project specific Commissioning execution Schedule and track commissioning progress Ensure the application of appropriate standards particularly where they relate to commissioning Under supervision coordinate all aspects of the Upstream Project Commissioning Ensure commissioning interface with other project groups, in particular with Construction, Engineering, and Scheduling are maintained and effective Report commissioning progress to the Upstream Business Ensure a robust HSSE and Quality culture is undertaken on the project and on site in an appropriate professional manne Under supervision assist in the development and implementation of a Commissioning audit program pertinent to the entire Upstream Project Assist in ensuring Contractor compliance with the project Commissioning requirements, plans, procedures, and processes Under supervision liaise with the Production Operations Group to ensure that at facility Start-Up there is a smooth transition of responsibility from to Operations. Provide Commissioning input into all aspects of the various sub project schedules and the integrated project schedule Provide input into facility design promoting safe and efficient execution of pre-commissioning and commissioning activities Observe and monitor contracting staff working on or near process Plant, Gas Field Well Sites and/or pipelines from Well Sites. Support all CSU disciplines by advice and recommendations on improvements in production and planned maintenance. Input to design change implementation. Participation in HAZOP and documentation reviews. Provide assistance in major maintenance works such as shutdowns, well intervention, and other green and brownfield works. Develop, Verify, Authorise & Issue permits within Scope Develop, Verify, Authorise Isolations within Scope Support mechanical technicians to ensure training skill development within the CSU team is compliant with QGC/Shell standards. Work with the CSU Superintendent to align team performance goals and expectations

Mining Engineer - Underground Coal

Location: Brisbane

Branche: Mining

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 2 years

In this role, you'll play a key part in driving technical excellence at a well-supported underground coal operation. You'll lead the planning, design, and optimisation of mining activities with a focus on longwall operations, while exposure to board and pillar methods will be highly regarded. You'll work closely with production and technical teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant resource extraction. Mine Planning & Design: Develop and implement mine plans with a primary focus on longwall operations; contribute to board & pillar planning where required. Production Optimization: Support efficient coal recovery, monitor performance, and identify cost-saving and productivity improvements. Engineering Support: Deliver input into infrastructure, ventilation, and development sequences to maintain safe and productive operations. Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with geotechnical, ventilation, safety, and scheduling teams to deliver integrated mine plans. Safety & Compliance: Ensure all work meets QLD coal mining regulations and the highest safety standards. Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Drive technical improvements and contribute to better planning processes through technology and innovation.

FPSO Senior Process Engineer

Location: Perth

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Validation

Experience: 5 years

Act as the process engineering focal point for the FPSO Provide frontline technical support for operational issues Conduct process surveillance and risk assessments (e.g. HAZOPs, LOPAs) Support shutdown planning, maintenance prioritisation, and procedure reviews Identify opportunities for system optimisation and performance improvement Liaise with vendors, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams Mentor and support less experienced engineers

Planning MICE Engineer

Location: Perth

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: HSEQ

Experience: 4 years

Use technical judgment & experience, to select appropriate Inspection and Fabric Maintenance work for maintenance campaigns Deliver engineering support for planned maintenance activities, including MOCs and STC workpacks Assist with Capex projects and PSRA remediation activities Actively participate in optimizing maintenance strategies based on the evolving ARP Respond promptly to engineering queries for recurring and corrective workflows Screen Maintenance Notifications per Section 4 of W1000SG9678976 Manage Maintenance Workflow (when delegated by scope owner) Manage MICE related Safety & Environmental Critical Elements per WM1040PF9809289, specifically sections 3.2 (Manage Enterprise Assets), 3.3 (Plan, Schedule), and 3.5 (Measure, Analyze, Improve) Report or assist with incident investigations per HSE Event Reporting, Investigating and Learning Procedure, WM0000PG9905421 Evaluate feedback from site-based Execution Engineering Team and identify improvement opportunities Provide backfill support for KGP Execution Engineering Teams regarding MICE engineering coverage

Asset Development Engineer - Non Technical Risk

Location: Brisbane

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Validation

Experience: 3 years

Coordinate the timely release of ATWs by managing inputs from Environment, Tenure, Cultural Heritage, Land Access, and other NTR functions Support progression of sanctioned and pre-sanctioned scopes through Upstream Delivery Process (UDP) Prioritise and influence a broad stakeholder group to meet project schedules and minimise risk Identify and mitigate constraints across technical, non-technical and constructability considerations Support the development of Project Change Requests (PCRs) and post-ATW execution requirements Facilitate interface alignment across Survey, Engineering, Land Access, Geomatics, and Operations

Project Engineer - NPI

Location: Melville

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 4 years

As Project Engineer, you will work closely with internal stakeholders and external contractors to support the delivery of various NPI projects across Western Australia. With a focus on execution planning, design coordination, and cost/schedule development, you will help shape the next phase of facility improvements that directly impact site conditions and workforce wellbeing. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with a background in infrastructure, building fit-outs, or architectural upgrades within the mining or heavy industry sectors. Collaborate with design consultants to ensure alignment with engineering standards and operational requirements Develop project scopes, schedules, and cost estimates for upcoming works Support contractor coordination for audits, assessments, and on-site activities Contribute to procurement and construction planning during FEL2 Maintain accurate documentation, monitor project risks, and assist in internal approvals

Common geotech engineering responsibilities 

  • Performing initial field and environmental investigations before building planning;

  • Using geological maps and photographs to aid in site selection;

  • Making a strategic plan for the geotechnical engineering site and executing the geotechnical research as planned;

  • Collecting samples like rocks, sand, and such items from the site;

  • Analyzing soil and other geotechnical findings;

  • Carrying out tests on the samples and noting the pollution values;

  • Designing the geotech projects based on the research;

  • Creating 3D models and technical specifications using latest modeling software;

  • Developing design proposals and estimating costs for safe construction together with expert colleagues;

  • Assessing and advising on geological dangers during planning and execution of the engineering project;

  • Examining diverse building materials and potential stresses which includes ability and strain levels;

  • Establishing cost and time limits on ground studies;

  • Coordinating work with geologists, soil engineers, other geotech engineers, and advisors;

  • Protecting the environment while undertaking engineering work;

  • Traveling to geotechnical engineering sites.

Qualifications for geotech engineers 

Geotech engineers should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geophysics, or a related technical field. An advanced degree is advantageous. In some countries, an engineering license may also be required.

 

Additional supporting skills and experience include:

  • Previous experience in a role in geotechnical services;
  • Expertise in geology, climatology, chemistry, and mathematics with extraction and transportation engineeringknowledge and skills;
  • Expertise in using geotechnical computer software, AutoCAD, ArcView-GIS, SEEP/W, SLOPE/W, and finite element analysis software such as PLAXIS are strongly preferred;
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills;
  • Ability to work well in a team and manage multiple projects and team members simultaneously.