Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Salary
:
Up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location
:
Otley, West Yorkshire

Contract
:
Permanent, full-time, Monday – Friday

Benefits
: 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays’, company pension and other benefits.

Due to recent successful awards of several large, complex landslide investigations and a growing portfolio of schemes across the North of England, we are now looking for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead and deliver cutting-edge ground engineering solutions across a range of high-profile infrastructure and development projects at Align Property Services.

In this role, you’ll lead the way in delivering innovative geotechnical solutions across some of the most iconic landscapes in North Yorkshire. From designing and reviewing complex retaining structures and remedial works for landslip sites to overseeing risk assessments and ensuring compliance with Eurocodes and British Standards, your expertise will shape safe, sustainable outcomes. You’ll manage projects from feasibility through delivery, provide strategic input, and mentor a talented team, developing skills and fostering technical excellence within the Geotechnical Department.

The role can be based in Otley, with regular attendance in the Northallerton office, one day a week.

If you thrive on solving challenging ground conditions and influencing major infrastructure projects, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of North Yorkshire Council, we’re one of the largest and most respected building design consultancies in the North of England. Our collaborative, forward thinking team delivers a wide range of services, including:

• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
• Building Surveying & Project Management
• Quantity Surveying & CDM

From small scale surveys to multi-million-pound developments, including schools, fire stations, care homes, and heritage buildings, our projects are as varied as our clients. With a strong and growing pipeline across both public and private sectors, there’s never been a better time to join us.

• Lead and deliver geotechnical and engineering geology projects from planning through to completion.
• Design and oversee ground investigations for a variety of development projects.
• Interpret ground conditions and produce clear, high-quality technical reports and recommendations.
• Develop geotechnical design solutions, including foundations, slope stability, earthworks, retaining structures, and ground improvement.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, commercial performance, and client expectations.
• Provide technical guidance, quality assurance, and leadership across project teams.
• Support the development and mentoring of graduate and early-career engineers and geologists.
• Build strong client relationships and identify opportunities for repeat and new business.
• Contribute to business growth through proposals, tenders, and networking activities

• Degree qualified in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline, with an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Chartered professional (CEng, CGeol, or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years' post-chartership experience.
• Proven consultancy experience delivering geotechnical and engineering geology projects.
• Strong understanding of UK ground investigation standards, geotechnical analysis, and design principles.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and managing projects through all stages of delivery.
• Excellent technical report writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially aware, with experience managing project budgets and financial performance.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites as…