Designing safe and reliable foundations for Scotland’s offshore wind farms.
OVERVIEW
Offshore Wind Geotechnical Engineers assess seabed conditions and design the foundations that support offshore wind turbines, substations, and cables. This role combines engineering analysis with offshore data collection and close collaboration across project teams. It suits people who enjoy problem-solving, working with data and models, and contributing to the safe delivery of complex offshore infrastructure that underpins Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions.
More details
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- Interpret offshore ground investigation data.
- Assess seabed conditions and geohazards for turbine and substation locations
- Design and analyse foundations (e.g. monopiles, jackets, gravity-based structures).
- Support cable route design through geotechnical assessment.
- Work with geophysical, environmental, and structural engineering teams.
- Contribute to technical reports for design, procurement, and consenting.
- Support offshore site investigations and vessel operations (where required).
- Provide input during construction and installation phases.
- Location:
- Predominantly onshore, office-based in Scotland (often Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow), with hybrid working common
- Predominantly onshore, office-based in Scotland (often Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow), with hybrid working common
- Work Pattern:
- Full-time, Monday–Friday.
- Full-time, Monday–Friday.
- Travel:
- Occasional site visits or offshore survey vessel trips.
- Meetings with clients, contractors, and project partners.
- Team Structure:
- Working within multidisciplinary engineering teams including structural, geophysical, and installation specialists.
Essential Skills
- Strong understanding of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering principles.
- Data analysis and interpretation.
- Technical report writing.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Clear communication with non-specialists.
Useful Skills
- Offshore ground investigation experience.
- Numerical modelling software.
- Knowledge of offshore wind foundation types.
- Understanding of marine operations.
- Programming or data analysis skills.
University Degrees:
-
- Civil Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering (with geotechnical focus)
- MSc in Geotechnical Engineering or Offshore Engineering
- Professional Backgrounds
- Geotechnical consultancy
- Oil & gas geotechnics
- Marine or coastal engineering
- Graduate Routes:
- Graduate programmes with offshore wind developers, consultancies, or contractors are common entry points.
Typically Required
- Degree in civil or geotechnical engineering (or equivalent).
- Experience working with ground investigation data.
- Strong technical and analytical capability.
Desirable
- MSc in Geotechnical or Offshore Engineering.
- Working towards or holding Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
- Knowledge of relevant offshore design standards.
- Offshore safety training (only required for vessel or site visits).
