Rock Mechanics - Technical Leader

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Our Ground Engineering team brings together technical specialists working at the forefront of geotechnical and rock mechanics innovation. Based in our London office, this team supports a wide range of complex, multidisciplinary projects globally, particularly across the energy, water, transport, and infrastructure sectors.

We are seeking an Associate – Rock Mechanics Technical Leader to join our Ground Engineering team in London. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in advancing Arup’s rock mechanics capability while working on some of the most technically challenging projects across the globe.

In this role, you will operate at the cutting edge of rock mechanics, applying advanced 3D numerical modelling techniques—particularly 3

DEC—to solve complex engineering problems. You will contribute to major multidisciplinary projects, providing specialist expertise that supports critical infrastructure in sectors such as energy, water, transport and tunnelling.

Alongside your technical leadership, you will help shape and grow our rock mechanics capability across Arup. This includes developing and mentoring a high‑performing team, expanding our footprint beyond London into other UK and international locations, and strengthening our external profile through thought leadership, publications, and industry engagement.

• Hold a relevant degree and a PhD in rock mechanics or a closely related field
• Chartership (MICE, FGS or equivalent)
• Have extensive experience of cutting edge 3
  
  DEC modelling
• Bring experience leading and mentoring teams, with the ability to develop technical capability in others
• Have an established reputation within the ground engineering, tunnelling or rock mechanics community

Contact Drina Zupanovic at D

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‑cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.

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We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact D to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Closing Date: 30.06.2026