Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Deputy Head

Black Pearl Consult; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Pearl Consult seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Deputy Head of Department to lead geotechnical design and mentor engineers across UAE and Saudi Arabia projects. You will work with the Department Head to drive technical excellence and coordinate with construction, planning, QA/QC, and commercial teams.

The ideal candidate has 12–15 years’ experience, a Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering, and strong PLAXIS 3D and SAFE skills, with UAE/GCC exposure preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering / Soil Mechanics / Civil Engineering from a top-tier university
• 12–15 years of professional experience, including 5+ years in a senior or leadership role
• Extensive experience with a piling and foundation contracting company (Consultancy-only backgrounds not considered)
• Advanced proficiency in PLAXIS 3D for FEM and soil–structure interaction
• Strong working knowledge of SAFE for foundation and slab analysis
• Hands‑on experience in ground improvement techniques
• Deep expertise in deep foundation systems (piles, diaphragm walls, anchors, barrettes)
• PE / Chartered Engineer status is highly preferred
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken)

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical and foundation design for complex systems (piles, walls, rafts)
• Perform advanced 3D finite element modeling using PLAXIS 3D for soil–structure interaction analysis
• Conduct structural analysis of raft foundations and ground slabs using SAFE
• Design and review ground improvement works (vibro compaction, stone columns, dynamic compaction, grouting)
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, specifications and reports
• Ensure compliance with international and local codes (BS, Eurocodes, ACI; UAE and Saudi requirements)
• Manage, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of geotechnical engineers, designers, and CAD draftsmen
• Coordinate with construction, planning, QA/QC, and commercial teams
• Support business development including technical proposals, tenders, and client presentations
• Provide expert input during construction stages and resolve complex site issues

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Team leadership

Mentoring

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS 2D

PLAXIS 3D

GeoStudio

LPILE

GROUP

WALLAP

SAFE

ETABS

STAAD.Pro

DeepFND

AllPile

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

One of our leading Construction industry clients in the UAE is

seekinga Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Deputy Head of the Department, who will hold a strategic leadership position combining advanced technical expertise with team management.

Work closely with the Department Head to lead geotechnical design, mentor engineers and designers, and drivetechnical excellence across UAE and Saudi Arabia projects.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead geotechnical and foundation design for complex systems including:
  • Bored piles, secant piles, diaphragm walls, barrettes
  • Anchors, struts, piled raft foundations
• Perform advanced 3D finite element modeling using PLAXIS 3D for soil–structure interaction analysis
• Conduct structural analysis of raft foundations and ground slabs using SAFE
• Design and review ground improvement works, including:
  • Vibro compaction
  • Stone columns
  • Dynamic compaction
  • Grouting techniques
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical reports
• Ensure full compliance with international and local codes:
  • BS, Eurocodes, ACI
  • UAE local authority requirements
  • Saudi Building Code
• Manage, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of geotechnical engineers, designers, and CAD draftsmen
• Coordinate with construction, planning, QA/QC, and commercial teams
• Support business development, including technical proposals, tenders, and client presentations
• Provide expert technical input during construction stages and resolve complex site issues

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering / Soil Mechanics / Civil Engineering from a top-tier university
• 12–15 years of professional experience, including 5+ years in a senior or leadership role
• Mandatory: Extensive experience with a piling and foundation contracting company (Consultancy-only backgrounds will not be considered)
• Advanced proficiency in PLAXIS 3D for FEM and soil–structure interaction
• Strong working knowledge of SAFE for foundation and slab analysis
• Hands‑on experience in ground improvement techniques
• Deep expertise in deep foundation systems (piles, diaphragm walls, anchors, barrettes)
• Proven ability in team leadership, mentoring, and cross‑disciplinary coordination
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
• PE / Chartered Engineer status is highly preferred

Technical Skills

Software Proficiency:

• PLAXIS 2D / 3D
• GeoStudio
• LPILE, GROUP, WALLAP
• SAFE, ETABS, STAAD.Pro
• DeepFND, AllPile
• AutoCAD, Revit (advantageous)

Preferred Experience

• Delivery of large-scale, complex geotechnical projects in the UAE / GCC
• Strong understanding of piling construction operations, site supervision, and equipment
• Experience with digital construction technologies, BIM workflows, and sustainable engineering practices
• Familiarity with the Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, and Saudi Building Code requirements.

SHOULD HAVE UAE OR GCC EXPERIENCE.

WORK LOCATION - ABU DHABI.