[BAU] Principal Engineer (Geotechnical)

National Highways Limited; Bristol, Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A national infrastructure agency is seeking a Principal Engineer (Geotechnical) to join their Geotechnical team in Bristol. The role involves providing specialist expertise, developing management plans, and ensuring high standards in geotechnical asset management. The successful candidate will need a relevant degree and significant experience in ground engineering, alongside knowledge of geotechnical standards and risk management. This hybrid position allows flexibility between Bristol and Exeter offices.

Qualifications

• Degree and/or Masters in relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience in ground engineering and infrastructure works.
• Demonstrable knowledge of geotechnical standards and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist technical expertise to identify risks and shape early solutions.
• Develop asset-specific management plans for renewals and improvements.
• Commission and oversee survey works for asset improvements.
• Champion the use of high-quality asset data and maintain standards.

Skills

Ground engineering expertise

Geotechnical standards knowledge

Risk management

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Chartered or Incorporated Membership

Job description

Principal Engineer (Geotechnical) – National Highways

Job Overview

National Highways is offering an exciting opportunity for a Principal Engineering Geologist or Geotechnical Engineer to join our South West Operations Geotechnical team. This hybrid position can be based out of our Bristol or Exeter offices.

You’ll work alongside the Geotechnical Engineering Team Manager to lead, inspire, and support a skilled team of engineers. Together, you’ll tackle the complex challenges of managing geotechnical risks, setting priorities, and developing innovative early solutions for a wide range of geotechnical schemes. From earthworks and rock slopes to their interaction with drainage, structures, and other highway assets, you’ll provide the specialist expertise and technical authority that underpins safe, resilient, and future-proof infrastructure.

You’ll also influence how we advance geotechnical asset management, ensuring schemes meet the highest standards while driving continual improvement across the sector.

Driving Requirement: You will be required to drive as part of your role and you will need to have a full driving licence with no more than 3 points to be considered for this position and during employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist technical expertise to identify risks and shape early solutions for renewals and improvement schemes, in line with agreed methodologies considering new techniques, materials, buildability and costs.
• Develop asset-specific management plans, that support with making decisions that align with policy and standards while delivering value for money and supporting business goals.
• Identify, prioritise, and manage geotechnical asset needs in line with governance requirements (e.g. DMRB: CS641 and CD622) and to achieve business objectives.
• Commission and oversee survey works to support asset improvements and renewals, reviewing and approving technical briefs, reports, specifications, drawings, and supporting information.
• Champion the use of high-quality asset data by monitoring performance, driving innovation in data management, and guiding regional colleagues to maintain standards and integrity.

Qualifications

• Degree and/or Masters in relevant discipline, Higher National Diploma / Higher National Certificate with relevant experience, or equivalent experience.
• Extensive, relevant, and demonstrable experience in ground engineering and infrastructure works. You should hold Chartered or Incorporated Membership of the Geological Society, ICE (or an equivalent professional body), or be able to demonstrate extensive equivalent experience to this level.
• Demonstrable knowledge across relevant geotechnical standards, asset policies and strategies and risk management.