The GEO-Instruments UK Site Engineering team has had a remarkably busy 2026 working on projects across the UK. To keep up with demand for setting out, rig alignment, and borehole surveying services the team needed to grow.
As part of this, Rakesh and Jeffin were brought on as Setting Out Engineers earlier this year. We asked them about their day-to-day work and their experiences so far.
How long have you worked at GEO-Instruments?
Rakesh: I joined GEO-Instruments in July 2026.
Jeffin: I started in June 2026, so I’ve been with the company for about five months.
Tell us a bit about your time here so far.
Rakesh: Since joining GEO-Instruments, I have worked on projects in Blyth and Port Talbot. At Port Talbot, I have supported setting out for Rotary, CFA, Vibro and Precast piling.
It has been challenging because of the size of the project, the different types of work and also working away from home, but it has been a very good opportunity for me to learn and develop.
Jeffin: My time at GEO-Instruments UK has been going well. I joined as a Setting Out Engineer and have had the opportunity to work on a range of projects, including Project Wind, Project Invictus in Port Talbot, and a school project in Luton, where I’m currently based.
One of the main challenges has been adapting to the different site conditions and project requirements while making sure the setting out is accurate. Good planning and communication with the team are important. I’m learning a lot from these experiences and have been fortunate to work with a very supportive team.
How did you get started in the industry?
Jeffin: I studied civil engineering and began my career in India as a Site Engineer, working on residential and commercial projects. I later moved into MEP design, mainly plumbing and fire design.
After coming to the UK, I completed a master’s degree in Construction Project Management and took a course in setting out. I found it challenging to get my first opportunity in the UK, but Laszlo (GEO-Instruments UK’s Site Engineering Manager) gave me the chance to develop my setting-out skills and show what I could do. That opportunity led me to my current role at GEO-Instruments.
Rakesh: I am a Civil Engineer. Before joining GEO-Instruments I only had a few months of UK experience, so working with the team has helped me build my site and setting-out experience quickly.
Tell us about your day-to-day work?
Rakesh: My day-to-day work includes setting out pile positions, checking levels and coordinates, completing as-built surveys and working closely with the site teams and piling rigs. Communication is a big part of the job because site conditions and priorities can change quickly.
Jeffin: My days are usually quite structured. The first thing I do in the morning is check in with the Black Hat about the plan for the day and which piles need setting out. After the briefing, we head straight to site.
The mornings can be very busy, depending on the work taking place. I prefer spending time on site rather than in the office. It gives me the chance to see how the work is done and learn from the techniques the team uses.
What would you recommend for people who wanted to get into the industry?
Jeffin: I’d recommend getting a good foundation in civil engineering and trying to gain practical site experience. For setting out, learning to use surveying equipment and understanding drawings and coordinates are really helpful. Be willing to ask questions, learn from experienced people and keep developing your skills.
It can take time to get your first opportunity, so stay patient and keep trying.
Rakesh: I would say you should be willing to learn, ask questions and work closely with experienced engineers and the site team. You also need to be flexible because every project is different, and you can learn something new every day.
What do you like most about the job?
Rakesh: I really like the team and the support I have received since joining GEO. Laszlo and the other engineers have given me a lot of support and trust from the beginning. They have given me opportunities to work on different types of projects and has always been available to help me understand the work and improve my skills.
The team is always willing to help, and this has helped me learn quickly and become more confident in my role.
Jeffin: I enjoy the variety in the job. Each project brings different work and challenges, and I get to spend most of my time on site with the team. I’m learning new techniques all the time, and the support I’ve received at GEO has helped me grow in confidence.
What would you change?
Jeffin: I wouldn’t change much now because I’m enjoying the role and learning a lot. As I gain more experience, I’d like to take on new responsibilities and get involved in a wider range of projects.
Rakesh: I would like to improve my document control and reporting. The technical and site work is going well, but I know good documentation is also very important, so this is something I want to keep improving.
How do you like to spend your time when not at work?
Rakesh: When I am not working, I enjoy playing cricket and volleyball. I like staying active and spending time with friends.
Jeffin: When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing video games and going for walk with my dog. I’m really looking forward to the release of GTA 6. I also enjoy travelling, discovering new places and trying different dishes. At the weekends, I like to play badminton, which is a fun way to stay active and unwind.
What are you looking forward to or working towards in the future?
Jeffin: In the future, I’d like to keep learning and build a long-term career in civil engineering. I’m looking forward to gaining experience on different projects, improving my setting-out skills and taking on new challenges as I grow in the role.
Rakesh: I want to continue learning and become one of the best engineers on the team. I have been given a lot of trust and support since joining GEO, and I want to repay that by improving my skills, taking on more responsibility and becoming someone the team can rely on.
Read more about our past and present projects and learn more about the GEO-Instruments UK team.
