Our Team
Great teams are always learning. We are a team of motivated engineers, passionate about our work.
Our people
In the UK, Coffey is a team of approximately 50 technical staff. We know that motivated people are always keen to learn. In our industry, continued professional development is as important to us as it is to our clients. We keep our teams flexible, and we encourage innovation at every level. Good design has at its core engineering first principles, but it must also explore new techniques and technologies.
Coffey employs leading experts in ground engineering, and we are building the next generation to maintain our technical excellence for the future. We stay at the forefront of our industry, and we hire great people to enable us to continue do so.
If you are interested in developing your contribution to the industry, get in touch via our Careers page.
What it’s like to work at Coffey, from our current staff
As an engineer who previously worked in engineering departments of sales companies, I knew that I wanted a better environment around me, full of people who respect my intellectual capacity, and challenge me for the better. I also wanted to work in a place where I can learn more about geotechnical engineering, rather than only one aspect of it. Coffey seemed like the perfect place for both.
Coffey is something special. It has the best of both worlds: traits of a big corporation and traits of a small company.
- Coffey has many large-scale projects with a lot of complications or constraints where bright solutions are cherished. I get to learn everyday and become a better engineer than the previous day!
- Coffey has a warm supporting team-based structure where you are encouraged to take the time to learn every step of the way and where you are offered guidance if you are in need of it. You can also create warm relations with your colleagues that gives you a sense of belonging.
In addition, I have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of ground engineering, as Coffey is involved in a wide range of projects from railways, highways, high-rise structures to developments for the energy sector. The work includes carrying out designs as well as going to site and gaining practical experience. In other words, it never gets boring!
I originally studied civil engineering, for both my bachelors and masters. Geotechnics was one of my worst subjects in bachelors! I thought it was just too hard. Then when I started my masters, I wanted to try and actually understand what the subject is about. Once I got into it, I immediately knew what field I wanted to specialize in. Geotechnical engineering was different than any other type of civil engineering. Fields such as structural or transportation always made me feel bored as they were based on a set of rules that are not flexible. The way that the ground behaves differently based on many variables and its somewhat unpredictability interests me so much more and I enjoy the way it keeps my mind so active.
Early in their careers, every engineer is afraid to not know enough or be unable to undertake tasks in the correct way. I know I was; but once I started working here, those fears just dissipated naturally. Coffey made me realise that it is okay not to know, as long as you are willing to learn. Coffey is full of very competent engineers who take pride in mentoring and who take the time to reach you and support you.
In addition to this, Coffey has a great system in place for supporting engineers into achieving their chartership goals! I was assigned a mentor as soon as I joined the company. My mentor followed my professional development very closely and encouraged me into working towards chartership. I am also given quarterly chartership mentoring sessions by my senior colleagues and monthly continued professional development sessions where I can learn about the new techniques or products the construction industry has to offer.
At Coffey, I’m mainly involved in geotechnical design. I’ve learned so much from working with colleagues from different backgrounds and from discussing with clients. It’s rewarding to see how the skills I developed in academia – such as programming, numerical modelling, data processing, and a strong grasp of the fundamentals of physics and geotechnics - help in solving complex, practical problems. I especially enjoy those geotechnical challenges that aren’t covered in design codes or manuals, because they require creative thinking, understanding of scientific principles, and sound engineering judgement.
One of the things I really value at Coffey is how much the company supports professional and personal growth. There’s a strong culture of learning and knowledge sharing through mentoring, regular CPD seminars, training sessions, and clear guidance towards chartership. I also appreciate Coffey’s encouragement to stay connected with both industry and academia, whether through publishing papers or attending conferences.
Coffey is a great place for anyone who’s genuinely passionate about geotechnics and enjoys solving complex engineering problems. It’s an environment where curiosity is valued, learning never stops and work is always interesting.
I was attracted to Coffey Geotechnics because of its leading reputation for advanced geotechnical engineering. Since its founding the company has been associated with innovative projects and has a strong track record of delivering technically challenging work. I joined Coffey to be part of a successful team and to develop into a more rounded engineer and project manager.
I enjoy the variety and technical challenge of the work. Coffey is frequently asked to solve difficult problems that require creative engineering solutions, and no two projects are the same. I relish these opportunities and benefit from the support of a highly knowledgeable team when developing the best approach for each assignment. Many projects are fast paced, allowing me to be involved from early concept and site investigation through to installation. Seeing designs translate into real-world outcomes is very satisfying.
I had long targeted a move to Coffey. I followed the company’s progress during my early career in the geosynthetic supply sector and later while working at a large multidisciplinary consultancy. After completing a long-running infrastructure design in 2024, I enquired about a position; things moved quickly and shortly afterwards I was working at Coffey.
Since joining in 2024, Coffey has accelerated my development across a range of geotechnical disciplines. I’ve worked with a variety of clients and expanded my experience into the energy and water sectors. As a Principal Engineer I am empowered to act as project manager, taking technical and commercial responsibility and leading teams to successful delivery. Underlying this is a strong development culture: regular performance reviews and career conversations help identify training needs, and Coffey has supported my wider industry involvement with the ICE NW Geotechnical Group and the International Geosynthetics Society.
I would recommend Coffey to any engineer seeking technically rich, varied work within a collaborative culture. The company supports career development, provides diverse project exposure, and maintains strong client relationships that result in interesting challenges. For engineers and consultants who want to grow technically and take on responsibility, Coffey is an excellent choice.
Our Core Principles
How we work together to deliver for our clients
Clients
Our Clients come from across the industry, so it is important for us to understand their unique requirements.
Design
We take enormous pride in delivering truly different designs. Economic and buildable. We won’t stop until we have the best solution.
Delivery
When you work with us you will be ahead of the game.
Collaboration
Our senior engineers have worked in the industry a long time. So if we don’t know the answer we are sure to work with someone who does.
Create a sustainable future with us
Our people are supporting our mission and vision for a sustainable world.