Lola Rodriguez: staying grounded as a geotechnical engineer

From geology to geotechnical leadership

For Lola, being a geotechnical engineer isn’t just about soil and rocks, it’s about creating better, safer places for people. Her fascination with what lies beneath the ground started in childhood and has led to an engaging career that has spanned 20 years and multiple high profile projects.

Give us a brief summary of your role

In simple terms, I make sure that anything we build has a safe and stable relationship with the ground. I investigate the soil and rock conditions and check that the ground can safely support the infrastructure both during and after construction.

Why did you choose your career path?

As a child, I needed to understand how things functioned. My dad once opened up the back of a broken TV and I was just fascinated by what was inside that you don’t see. I’ve always had a keen interest in nature and in how the Earth works as well. This combination led me to study geology at the University of Granada because I wanted to discover more about the Earth and how it connects to everything around us. Taking a master’s degree and, later on, a doctorate in geotechnical engineering felt like a natural path because it links geological processes, like tectonics and glaciations, to how we build safe, useful infrastructure. I strongly believe that engineers play a vital role in society by making everyday life easier and more efficient. I feel proud to contribute to improving people’s quality of life.

How has your career journey evolved?

I’ve been in geotechnical engineering for about 20 years, working across different sectors. I started in the mining industry, then moved into consultancy roles working on foundations and earthworks associated with railways, buildings and roads. I’ve worked mostly in Spain but also with Canadian and UK companies, including periods working in the UK.

What inspired you to join Mott MacDonald?

I joined Mott MacDonald about 18 months ago. I was attracted by the opportunity to work in a global community of engineers and the company’s approach to wellbeing and working culture. Also, as a woman in the engineering field, I find Mott MacDonald’s approach to equality genuinely authentic and among the best in the engineering industry.

What does it mean to you to be trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald?

Being trusted means having the confidence and autonomy to apply my professional judgement, experience and technical leadership to deliver the right outcomes for my clients and for society. We’re fortunate to have a culture where people are empowered to make decisions, your expertise is valued and where you are encouraged to challenge. That trust enables me to then mentor others and keep on growing.

What does a typical day look like for you at Mott MacDonald, and how do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

A typical day for me combines technical leadership, collaboration and problem-solving. It usually involves reviewing and giving guidance on geotechnical designs, engaging with multidisciplinary teams, supporting project delivery and advising on any ground-related challenges. Drawing on my experience across multiple countries and project environments, the most important thing is ensuring solutions are practical, safe and aligned with project objectives. I enjoy taking ownership of challenges, adding value and continuously learning and improving through my work.

What does being part of a global team mean to you, and how does it influence your work?

I see global collaboration as a real strength. I love working within a diverse network of people who bring different perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking to projects. This diversity influences my work by encouraging openness, adaptability and continuous learning and ensures we deliver robust, innovative solutions and lasting impact.

Can you share an example of how the company culture has helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?

I feel there’s a genuine understanding throughout the company that we are all people with real lives, responsibilities and challenges, not just a workforce. This has made a significant difference to me on both a personal and professional level. Being able – and encouraged – to develop a positive work-life balance has helped me become more effective, more engaged and more motivated in my role. Being part of a company that truly lives its values, rather than simply promoting them, has enabled me to grow as an engineer while also looking after my long-term wellbeing, which is essential to performing at your best.