Five Minutes with Nima Baghbani
Five Minutes with Nima Baghbani
Geotechnical engineering is a unique field where nature and engineering meet, and no two projects are ever the same. In this challenging environment, Senior Geotechnical Engineer Nima Baghbani stands out. Internationally recognised and published, his work has made a significant impact in the field around the globe. We spent 5 minutes with Nima to uncover what rocks this geotechnical engineer’s world.
What drew you to Geotechnical Engineering as a career?
Geotechnical engineering grabbed my interest because it’s the perfect blend of nature and engineering. Understanding how soil, rock and water interact beneath our feet and using that knowledge to build structures that support communities is incredibly satisfying. It’s a field where you need a balance of analytical skills, creativity and a genuine respect for the land – Qualities that resonate deeply with me.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
As Senior Geotechnical Engineer the most fulfilling aspect of my role is leading complex projects and mentoring younger engineers. Being able to share my experience from projects and research, like my studies on soil behaviours or improving soil stability using alternative materials, allows me to guide others and push the boundaries of what we can achieve in the field. It’s particularly rewarding to see innovative approaches, such as those detailed in my published technical papers, come to life in practical applications.
Another great part of my job is seeing a project take shape from the ground up, quite literally. Whether it’s a new building, bridge or road every site investigation and analysis contributes to creating something tangible that serves people. There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that the work we do helps keep these structures safe and stable and it has a positive impact on our local communities and our life.
What career advice do you have for those starting out in this industry?
Stay curious and always be ready to learn. Geotechnical engineering is a field where no two projects are the same and each one brings a new set of challenges. Understanding the theory is important, but real growth comes from hands-on experience out in the field. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek out mentors and keep up with the latest techniques and technology. Building a strong foundation in both theory and practice is the key to success in this industry.
“Stay grounded but keep reaching.”
Coffee or Tea?
Definitely coffee. There’s nothing quite like that first cup in the morning to kickstart the day, whether I’m in the office or out on-site. It’s a great way to warm up during those early, chilly mornings in the field and keeps me focused and energized throughout the day.
If you could give your past-self one piece of advice what would it be?
I’d tell my past self to be patient. Things don’t always move as fast as you’d like, especially when it comes to career growth and big projects. But every experience, even the tough ones, help shape you into a better engineer. Patience and persistence really do pay off in the long run.
Do you have a personal mantra or a quote that inspires you?
“Stay grounded but keep reaching.” It’s a reminder to stay true to my roots while always pushing myself to learn and achieve more, both professionally and personally. It keeps me motivated to always look for innovative solutions without losing sight of practical realities.
Is there a standout project from your time with FMG? What makes it special?
One memorable project involved a detailed geotechnical investigation of a coastal site with a variety of challenges. The site had a mix of uncontrolled rock and soil fill material, which posed significant complexity in terms of stability and consistency. The presence of heavy buildings required us to carefully analyze different foundation parameters, adapting our approach to ensure each design could handle the loads and site conditions. The deep boreholes (15m) and varying ground conditions meant we had to remain flexible, using a range of testing methods to accurately understand the subsurface.
What made this project special was its scale and the need for continuous problem-solving. Each stage required collaboration across different disciplines, including Structural and Environmental teams, to ensure we addressed all aspects of the site’s complexities. The adaptability and teamwork that went into overcoming challenges like variable soil conditions and foundation requirements made this a particularly rewarding project. It’s a great example of how geotechnical expertise can transform a complex site into a successful build.
What do you like about working with FMG?
FMG has a collaborative and down-to-earth vibe, where everyone’s input is valued. The company’s focus on practical solutions and innovation fits well with my approach to engineering. It’s also inspiring to work alongside such a diverse team, where different perspectives help us tackle challenges and deliver the best results for our clients.
Is there anything else you would like to include?
I’m excited about how our industry is evolving, especially with the integration of new technologies like AI in geotechnical analysis. My research and industrial experience, including studies on AI-enabled soil stabilization and the prediction of soil behaviour, has shown me the potential these tools have in reshaping our field. It’s a great time to be part of the geotechnical industry, with endless opportunities to innovate and improve the way we understand the ground beneath us. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with FMG and contributing to the future of geotechnical engineering.
