Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Overview

As Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and foundation projects, guiding delivery, quality, and business growth. You’ll work closely with project teams to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective outcomes, while advancing capabilities across the business. You’ll mentor staff, influence project strategies, and oversee compliance with standards and regulations. This role offers impact through leading complex investigations and shaping our geotechnical service offering in a growing, infrastructure-focused environment.

Pay / Benefits

• car allowance or company car
• permanent role
• salary £70,000–£75,000 per annum
• location: North Yorkshire

Responsibilities

• Manage geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and foundation projects from inception to completion
• Review client briefs, define deliverables and maintain client communication
• Ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with agreed quality standards
• Coordinate technical reports, designs, and project documentation
• Monitor budgets, resources, and programme requirements; prepare WIP reports
• Liaise with internal teams, stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and clients
• Provide specialist geotechnical expertise across the business; review and approve reports
• Lead development and improvement of procedures and best practices
• Ensure compliance with legislation, standards and client specs
• Support health, safety, and quality systems; contribute to CDM documentation
• Mentor junior engineers and support team development
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities; prepare proposals and cost estimates
• Advise clients on scope, timescales, and deliverables
• Support growth of geotechnical and geoenvironmental service offerings
• Lead or deputise for team meetings when required

Key requirements

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Geoenvironmental Engineering, or related discipline (preferred)
• Chartered status with a recognised professional institution
• Full UK driving licence
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in geotechnical/geoenvironmental engineering including site investigation
• Proven experience managing large ground investigation projects
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and standards
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Experience mentoring and developing junior staff
• Strong technical reporting and design review capabilities
• Ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines to develop practical, risk-based solutions
• Experience in overhead line, utilities, or wider infrastructure sectors would be advantageous

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Commercial awareness and budget management
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities
• Geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering
• Foundation engineering
• Site investigation and data interpretation

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