Principal Geotechnical Engineer

In Cork; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading geotechnical firm in Manchester seeks a motivated Geotechnical Engineer to prepare detailed geotechnical reports, supervise ground investigations, and conduct hazard assessments. Candidates should have a degree in Geology or a related discipline and strong leadership skills. The position offers competitive pay, generous holidays, and a clear progression pathway. Opportunity for internal training and development available within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowance

Excellent pension scheme

Clear progression pathway

Internal training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in Geology or related geoscience discipline.
• Experience producing factual geotechnical reports.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Preparing detailed geotechnical reports.
• Supervising ground investigations and conducting hazard assessments.
• Guiding graduate engineers.

Skills

Technical expertise in geotechnical engineering

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent report-writing skills

Experience managing desk studies

Familiarity with geotechnical software

Education

Degree in Geology or related geoscience discipline

Tools

Geotechnical software

Job description

Principal Geotechnical Engineer – WSP

WSP is looking for Principal Geotechnical Engineers or Engineering Geologists to join our teams across the UK. These roles are available on a full‑time or part‑time basis.

**Your role** will include:

• Developing professional, technically competent reports and liaising with specialists and clients across a wide range of sectors, using efficient working practices to deliver best‑value services.
• Effectively managing and delivering project work, including robust financial management.
• Assisting in team resource management and allocation.
• Managing, motivating, mentoring and developing professional staff.
• Providing support in all aspects of project delivery, including client liaison, contractors, subcontractors, public and statutory body consultation, quality control and specialist management.

**We will be looking for you to demonstrate**:

• Technical expertise in geotechnical engineering or engineering geology with a solid understanding of the underlying principles.
• Consultancy experience with strong commercial awareness and good relationships with clients and contractors.
• A chartered professional qualification and significant post‑qualification experience.
• Experience delivering geotechnical/engineering geology projects, including preparing high‑technical level reports.
• Ability to influence contract specifications and understand client requirements.
• Experience leading or being part of delivery teams from inception to construction for short‑ to medium‑term projects.
• Excellent report‑writing and client liaison skills.
• Experience managing desk studies, designing, procuring, and supervising Ground Investigations (GIs); checking GI Reports and Geotechnical Design Reports in accordance with Eurocode 7: Part 1.
• Working knowledge of Eurocode 7, UK annex design codes, ground investigation and construction contracts and specifications.
• Familiarity with a wide range of geotechnical software for design of civil engineering projects (deep and shallow foundations, piles, retaining walls, earthworks, slope stability, reinforced earthworks).
• The skills to critically evaluate work done by others and a proven track record of doing so.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Stantec (North of England)

We are expanding our Geo Division in the North of England (Stoke / Manchester) and are seeking a Senior / Principal Geotechnical Consultant. The role is based in the UK and offers career progression across diverse projects in renewables, defence, justice, commercial and residential sectors.

**About You**

• Academic qualifications: BEng, BSc, or higher degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering; or a first degree in Geology with an MSc in Contaminated Land or Geotechnical Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered Member of a relevant institution or working toward chartership.
• Strong foundation in UK‑based practices, soil mechanics and soil/structure interaction.
• Experience in geotechnical design, creating Geotechnical Design Reports (GDR) and Earthworks Specifications (EWS) to UK Standards (EC7, DMRB).
• Proven experience in specifying geotechnical testing, both in situ and laboratory, with accurate interpretation.
• Design and management of geotechnical projects including writing Design Reports, Earthworks Specifications and Geotechnical Feedback Reports.
• On‑site construction phase auditing of earthworks and geotechnical projects.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of best practice including Eurocode 7, CD622 and other UK design documents.
• Proficient in industry‑standard software tools; experience with Plaxis 3D or similar is a plus.
• Proven track record of writing clear, comprehensive interpretive reports.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Stantec (Energy Sector)

We are looking for a Principal/Associate Geotechnical Engineer to join our Ground Engineering Group, ideally in Edinburgh (alternate UK locations considered). Responsibilities include supporting team growth, providing project leadership, leading investigations, designing structures and acting as a technical reviewer in UK programmes, primarily in the energy sector.

**About You**

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology or related field; preference for MEng in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Extensive relevant experience, substantial involvement in infrastructure projects.
• Chartered membership with ICE or Geological Society, or actively working towards chartership.
• Excellent technical writing skills for interpretative reports.
• Experience designing and analysing geotechnical structures.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing teams.
• Passion for delivering quality geotechnical solutions.

Principal Geotechnical Mining Engineer – Remote

Our client, a globally recognized leader in mining, seeks a highly experienced Principal Geotechnical Mining Engineer to join a fully remote team. Responsibilities include detailed geotechnical risk assessments, slope stability analyses, ground support design and numerical modeling of rock mechanics, liaising with mine planning and operations teams, and mentoring junior engineers.

• Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in mine geotechnical engineering.
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering or related field.
• Proficiency in FLAC3D, ABAQUS, UDEC or similar numerical modelling software.
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, hydrogeology, empirical design methods.
• Experience with block caving, sublevel caving, cut‑and‑fill, open‑pit methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects.
• Familiarity with remote collaboration tools.

Geotechnical Engineer – Manchester (Environmental Contractor)

Our client is seeking a motivated Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in Manchester. Responsibilities include preparing detailed geotechnical reports (Phase 1 & 2), supervising ground investigations, conducting hazard assessments, reviewing test data, and guiding graduate engineers.

• Degree in Geology or related geoscience discipline.
• Must live within commutable distance of Manchester.
• Experience producing factual geotechnical reports.
• Interpretative reporting experience (desirable).
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

**Company Benefits**

• Competitive salary.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Clear progression pathway.
• Internal training and development opportunities.

EEO Statement – Stantec

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment is prohibited. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

EEO Statement – WSP

WSP is a Disability Confident leader and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity.