Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Northampton Business Directory; Towcester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to join their team in Towcester, England. You will work on diverse projects in both residential and commercial sectors, collaborating closely with junior engineers and managing client relations. The role requires chartered status and expertise in geotechnical assessments. The company offers a competitive salary of £50,000+, a car allowance, and professional development opportunities, with a flexible hybrid working model.

Benefits

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Defined contribution pension

Annual profit share

Qualifications

• Chartered status (CEng or similar) required.
• Expertise in high-quality geotechnical reports.
• Strong understanding of foundation design principles.
• Valid UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare desk study reports and geotechnical assessments.
• Conduct site supervision and manage financial budgets.
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical development.
• Drive client relationships and project outcomes.

Skills

Geotechnical reporting

Foundation design knowledge

Project management

Business development

Team mentoring

Education

MSc in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

GEO5 design software

Job description

Principal Engineer - Geotechnical/ Geo-Environmental

• Salary Range: £50,000+
• Location: Northamptonshire (Hybrid)
• Position Type: Permanent, full-time

The Principal Engineer Opportunity

I'm partnered with a well-established geotechnical/ geo-environmental consultancy and we are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to join this excellent team. This is a pivotal role for a chartered professional ready to take on greater responsibility in business development, technical leadership and project delivery.

You will work on a diverse portfolio of projects across residential and commercial sectors. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will have genuine autonomy to shape projects from inception through completion, mentor junior staff and contribute meaningfully to the firm's growth strategy.

Technical Delivery

• Write and prepare desk study reports, interpretative geotechnical and geo-environmental assessments, and waste classification reports independently
• Provide expert characterisation of ground conditions and deliver recommendations spanning foundation design, ground improvements, earthworks, basements, retaining structures and environmental evaluations
• Conduct site supervision on investigations and complex projects, with the option to delegate routine fieldwork to junior engineers as your leadership role develops
• Apply practical knowledge of GEO5 design software; experience with geophysical surveying is advantageous

Business & Leadership

• Participate actively in business development, communicating confidently with clients, colleagues and external agencies to support company growth
• Manage financial budgets and cost estimates for assigned projects
• Mentor and provide technical support to junior and senior staff, including detailed review of reports prepared by team members
• Demonstrate initiative and drive in advancing client relationships and project outcomes

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Chartered status (CEng or similar) with an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering or related discipline
• Demonstrable expertise in preparing high-quality geotechnical and geo-environmental reports
• Strong understanding of foundation design principles and ability to provide sound geotechnical advice
• Valid UK driving licence (required for site visits); CSCS card advantageous

Competitive Reward Package

• Salary: £50,000+ per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
• Car allowance
• Private healthcare provision
• Defined contribution company pension
• Annual profit share scheme - a proportion of company profits distributed

The Team & Environment

• Small, focused consultancy with strong client relationships across the region
• Genuine opportunities to develop areas of technical expertise and shape projects
• Collaborative team of experienced geotechnical professionals and ambitious graduates
• Support for ongoing professional development and Chartered status maintenance
• Flexible arrangements for site-based and desk work

If you require any more information on this role, please contact Alex on the Calibre Search Manchester telephone number - (phone number removed)

Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business.