Senior Geotechnical Engineer

SOCOTEC Middle East; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 279,000 - 390,600; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC Middle East is looking for an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to deliver independent technical reviews and engineering services that meet UAE authority standards. The role requires a strong background in geotechnical engineering with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including 5 years in the UAE.

Key responsibilities include reviewing designs, assessing soil investigations, and managing geotechnical analyses using PLAXIS software. The ideal candidate must also possess solid communication skills and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant geotechnical engineering experience, including at least 5 years within the UAE.
• Design experience is mandatory; lab testing experience is insufficient.
• Strong understanding of Dubai and Abu Dhabi design standards and authority requirements.

Responsibilities

• Review pile foundation designs and shoring system designs.
• Assess soil investigation proposals and develop geotechnical analyses using PLAXIS.
• Attend technical meetings and coordinate with relevant authorities.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

PLAXIS 2D

PLAXIS 3D

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Geotechnical software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to provide independent technical reviews and geotechnical engineering services in accordance with UAE authority requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Review pile foundation designs.
• Review shoring system designs.
• Review soil improvement designs and soil‑structure interaction studies.
• Review geotechnical investigation reports including foundation recommendations, bearing capacity assessments, liquefaction assessments, cavity assessment and geotechnical design parameters.
• Review soil improvement reports, calculations, method statements and quality‑control test results for various ground improvement techniques.
• Assess soil investigation proposals including borehole numbers, depths, testing requirements, permits, method statements and scopes of work.
• Develop and review 2D and 3D geotechnical analyses using PLAXIS 2D and PLAXIS 3D with particular focus on soil‑structure interaction.
• Attend technical meetings with clients, consultants, contractors and authorities as required.
• Coordinate with relevant authorities and support approval processes where required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering. Degrees in Geology alone will not be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant geotechnical engineering experience, including at least 5 years within the UAE. Design experience is mandatory. Field supervision experience alone will not be sufficient.
• Previous experience with a foundation specialist contractor or consultant is highly preferred.
• Experience limited to laboratory testing will not be considered.
• Strong understanding of Dubai and Abu Dhabi design standards, authority requirements, and approval processes.
• Experience with Dubai Municipality (DM), Dubai Development Authority (DDA), Trakhees, Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM), and Tasareeh requirements is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in PLAXIS 2D, PLAXIS 3D, and other relevant geotechnical software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication and technical report review skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.