Technical Director / Associate Director Ground Engineering
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£50,400
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2121 (84% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £50,400, and AECOM is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2127 (Engineering project managers and project engineers). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2121 Civil engineers Most likely code | £35,200 | £40,300 | £45,300 | £50,400 |
2127 Engineering project managers and project engineers Also possible | £36,300 | £41,500 | £46,700 | £51,900 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
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.
Heres what youll 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.
Qualifications
Heres what youll 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.
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 worlds 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 clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether youre working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.
You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. Were the worlds trusted global infrastructure firm, and were in this together your growth and success are ours too.
Join us, and youll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each persons potential, and well help you reach yours.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
ReqID: REF59810X
Business Line: Environment
Business Group: DCS
Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India
Career Area: Planning
Work Location Model: Hybrid
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This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with AECOM, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Civil engineers (SOC 2121) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~65k in sample- Middle half £38,896–64,792
- Median £48,828
- Going rate £50,400
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £35,200–45,300
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at AECOMAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. AECOM holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2121 going rate of £50,400. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.