Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Description

The role is Principal Geotechnical Engineer in the Ground Engineering team, based in Chesterfield.

The team works for clients across the United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&I) and internationally, on projects in all sectors. Recent and current examples include the National Great Grid Upgrade, High Speed rail, Network Rail CP7, and overseas work for the Royal Commission of Al Ula and Neom.

The ground engineering practice covers the full range of ground engineering and serves energy, rail, highways, water, development, defence, nuclear, and ports and marine clients.

The company develops projects from concept through to operation, providing engineering and construction services on large projects for major rail and transit agencies. Its specialists give analytical and strategic advice at every project stage.

The company is a global, publicly traded Fortune 500 firm and employs over 50,000 people worldwide. Its Professional Services business reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical projects from investigation through design and construction, keeping technical quality high.
• Take day-to-day ownership of delivery, keeping projects on budget and on programme.
• Apply current approaches in ground investigation, geotechnical design and construction, including foundation design, slope stability assessment and ground improvement.
• Work largely independently, lead project input from desk study and feasibility through ground investigation, interpretation and final design.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external clients.
• Support and develop junior team members.
• Prepare fee bids and proposals for internal and external clients.

Requirements

• Degree in geotechnical engineering (BSc or MSc) or a related field.
• Preferred: chartered status (Engineer).
• Proven track record delivering ground engineering projects in the UK, and a working knowledge of the technical standards that apply.
• Proven leadership experience in similar roles, with the ability to inspire and lead teams.
• Clear understanding of current geotechnical design codes, standards and best practice, and openness to new methods and innovations.
• Work closely with Technical Directors and Associates on delivery and on winning work, keeping high client satisfaction.
• Contribute actively in team and client meetings, take ownership of decisions and put forward alternative ideas.
• Mentor junior staff on the job and support them towards chartered status.
• Prepare, check and review technical documents, including desk studies, interpretative reports, specifications, construction drawings and design reports.
• Enjoy solving complex problems and finding sustainable, innovative solutions, while being willing to adopt new tools, technologies and ways of thinking.
• Clean driving licence.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK.

Conditions

Hybrid working, from a company office, remote location or client site.

Based in Chesterfield, with travel throughout the UK required.

All newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at a company office as a condition of employment.

The company is a Disability Confident Employer and will interview applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum essential criteria, via the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

Equal opportunity: applicant information is kept confidential under EEO guidelines.

Benefits

• Core and personalised benefits supporting your future and well-being, tailored to your lifestyle.
• Career development opportunities.
• Access to technical practice networks and the company University.
• Volunteering days.
• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking, and work on large projects with real impact.