Senior Geotechnical Engineer Deputy Head

Black Pearl Consult; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will lead complex geotechnical designs, manage a team, and ensure compliance with all standards. Applicants should have a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering, extensive experience in foundation contracting, and proficiency in relevant software like PLAXIS 3D. This is an opportunity to work on large-scale projects in the UAE, offering considerable career advancement and development potential.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of professional experience, including 5+ years in a senior or leadership role.
• Extensive experience with a piling and foundation contracting company.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical and foundation design for complex systems.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure compliance with international and local codes.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Soil Mechanics

Team Leadership

Communication

Foundation Design

Software Proficiency (PLAXIS 3D)

Ground Improvement Techniques

Education

Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering / Soil Mechanics / Civil Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS 3D

SAFE

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Overview

Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Deputy Head. Full time | Black Pearl Consult | United Arab Emirates. Posted On 01/13/2026.

Job Information

Construction

Number of Positions 1

City Abu Dhabi

51133

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical and foundation design for complex systems including bored piles, secant piles, diaphragm walls, barrettes
• Lead 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 dynamic compaction and 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
• 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

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 Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, and Saudi Building Code requirements

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Black Pearl will never ask any of its candidates for payment in exchange for our service. Our service is free to candidates and the recruitment fee is paid by our clients. If you receive any emails, SMS, or calls requesting payment from someone claiming to be a Black Pearl employee, please report and email [e-mail] or contact our office at [phone].