Chartered Principal Geotechnical Engineer

55000 - 70000 per annum

London, England

Permanent

This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join a growing geotechnical team based in London, playing a key role in the delivery of major UK and international infrastructure projects.

The Role As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you will lead the development and delivery of high-quality geotechnical engineering solutions across a diverse portfolio of large-scale projects. Working within multidisciplinary teams, you will provide technical leadership, oversee project delivery, and support the development of junior engineers.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading and delivering geotechnical assignments across the UK, Ireland, and internationally.

Undertaking geotechnical design and analysis throughout all project stages, from concept development through to detailed design.

Reviewing and checking internal and third-party designs to ensure technical excellence and compliance with relevant standards.

Identifying opportunities for value engineering and developing innovative, cost-effective design solutions.

Carrying out finite element modelling and interpreting results to support design development.

Preparing technical reports, calculations, specifications, drawings, and other project documentation.

Conducting site inspections, ground investigations, and construction supervision activities, working closely with contractors and design teams.

Managing project programmes, resources, budgets, and staff utilisation to ensure successful project delivery.

About You The successful candidate will be a Chartered Civil Engineer with extensive geotechnical design experience and a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects.

You will ideally have:

Chartered Engineer status and, preferably, a postgraduate qualification in a geotechnical or related discipline.

Extensive knowledge of Eurocodes and relevant UK and international design standards, contracts, methodologies, and procedures.

Strong understanding of geotechnical and engineering geological principles, including data interpretation, design, analysis, construction methodologies, and advanced numerical modelling.

Detailed experience in the design and analysis of:

Large-diameter piled foundations (driven, bored and CFA piles)
Deep excavations and basement structures

Retaining walls and earth-retaining systems

Earthworks and ground improvement solutions

Soil and rock slope engineering

Seismic and dynamic analysis of pile foundations and pile groups

Seismicity, liquefaction assessment, instrumentation and monitoring systems

Experience working to recognised design methodologies and standards including Eurocode, API, AASHTO, LRFD, NGI and ICP approaches.

Ground investigation expertise, including specification development, tender documentation, supervision and interpretation of investigation data.

Experience managing projects as a lead designer and assignment manager, with responsibility for commercial performance, contractual matters, programme delivery and budget control.

A strong background delivering major infrastructure and construction projects across a variety of sectors.

Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.

Previous people management experience, including performance management, mentoring, training, recruitment and team development, would be advantageous.

What's on Offer Alongside the opportunity to work on high-profile and technically challenging projects, you will join a collaborative and inclusive business that places a strong emphasis on technical excellence, innovation and professional development.

The package includes:

Competitive salary.

Profit share scheme.

Discretionary bonus.

Employee Assistance Programme.

Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Clear opportunities for career progression.

A supportive working environment that prioritises employee wellbeing.

Opportunities to contribute to initiatives focused on health and safety, sustainability, diversity, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong geotechnical professional looking to take a leading role in the delivery of complex infrastructure projects while contributing to the growth and development of a high-performing engineering team.