Geotechnical Engineer - Intermediate

Auckland | Cook Costello

Varied projects. Direct client relationships. Support to grow your engineering career.

Cook Costello is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy providing Structural, Civil, Geotechnical, Surveying and Geophysics services across New Zealand.

We are looking for an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer to join our Auckland team. You will bring solid geotechnical investigation, analysis and design experience, enjoy working with people and be ready to take greater responsibility for delivering projects, with support from experienced Senior and Chartered Engineers.

The Role

You will work across residential, commercial, infrastructure and land development projects in Auckland and beyond. Your work will include ground investigations, foundation assessments, slope stability analysis, geotechnical input to retaining wall design, and earthworks and construction monitoring. You may also contribute to assessments of land damage and challenging sites where understanding ground conditions is essential to finding a practical solution.

Your involvement will extend from initial client briefing and investigation planning through to geotechnical analysis, reporting, design and construction support. You will organise and undertake site investigations, interpret field and laboratory results, develop ground models and prepare clear, practical engineering recommendations. You will take responsibility for smaller commissions and components of larger projects, with technical guidance and review appropriate to your experience.

Client contact is an important part of this role. You will attend meetings, handle phone calls and explain ground risks, investigation requirements and engineering options clearly. Working closely with clients, planners, architects, contractors and colleagues across our disciplines and offices, you will coordinate inputs, manage agreed tasks, budgets and deadlines, and raise issues early so projects keep moving.

As your capability develops, you will also help junior team members through day-to-day collaboration, fieldwork guidance and sharing your technical knowledge.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines sound technical capability with strong communication and interpersonal skills. You should be confident communicating directly with clients by phone, email and in meetings, asking thoughtful questions and following through on commitments.

You will bring

A Washington Accord-accredited degree in Civil Engineering, with a focus on geotechnical engineering, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Approximately 3–6 years of geotechnical engineering consultancy experience, including relevant New Zealand project experience.

Hands-on experience in site investigations, ground interpretation, geotechnical analysis and design, and preparation of technical reports.

A good working understanding of New Zealand geotechnical standards, guidelines and consenting requirements.

Experience using geotechnical analysis software such as Slide, CPeT-IT, Wallap or equivalent.

Clear written and verbal communication, with experience explaining technical matters to clients and other project stakeholders.

A personable, professional approach and the ability to work constructively across disciplines and offices.

Good organisation and engineering judgement, including recognising uncertainty and knowing when to seek advice.

* A current full New Zealand driver license.

Experience with slope stability, complex foundations, retaining walls, earthworks or land damage assessments would be an advantage. You do not need experience in every project type, but you must bring relevant geotechnical analysis and design experience alongside your fieldwork and reporting skills.

We welcome applicants working towards CPEng, or interested in pursuing it as their experience develops.

Why Join Cook Costello?

You will have the opportunity to develop as a well-rounded geotechnical engineer and consultant, combining fieldwork, analysis, design and client interaction. You will see how your interpretation of ground conditions shapes project decisions and how your recommendations translate into construction.

You will work alongside colleagues in geotechnical, structural and civil engineering, surveying and geophysics, drawing on their expertise to resolve challenges and deliver coordinated advice. Our geophysics capability provides opportunities to combine complementary investigation methods and develop a more complete understanding of the ground.

Our Senior and Chartered Engineers provide technical guidance, review and mentoring to support your development towards CPEng. We offer accessible leadership, a collaborative team environment, competitive remuneration and flexible working arrangements.

Apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining one or two geotechnical projects you have helped deliver, your personal investigation, analysis or design responsibilities, and your experience working directly with clients or other project stakeholders.

As part of your application, please also provide a link to a brief video telling us about your geotechnical engineering experience and some of the projects you have worked on to date. The video does not need to be professionally produced – a simple recording is fine.

Applications that do not include this information may not progress to shortlisting.

Apply through SEEK or email [email protected]. Confidential enquiries are welcome.