Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Team Leader

Ground Science Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ground Science Pty Ltd in Melbourne seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead its geotechnical team with a blend of technical authority and people development. You will contribute to business growth while staying connected to complex project work.

Working with the Managing Director, you’ll review designs, mentor engineers, strengthen client relationships and help shape the future direction of Ground Science. Hybrid schedule with potential for flexible arrangements may be available.

Qualifications

• Senior geotechnical professional with leadership experience.
• Strong commercial judgement and ability to manage budgets.
• Proven ability to develop client relationships and win work.
• Chartered or registered professional status is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery, project oversight and report review.
• Mentor and manage the geotechnical team and budgets.
• Drive business development and client engagement.
• Guide long-term strategic direction and ownership pathways.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Team leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Technical reporting

Education

Chartered status (desirable)

Job description

At this stage of your career, the next step should offer more than another title. It should give you the opportunity to influence what comes next.

• Lead technical delivery, people development and business growth
• Potential future pathway to ownership
• Full-time or part-time opportunity with hybrid flexibility
• Highly competitive salary

Ground Science is looking for an accomplished Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead its geotechnical team through its next stage of development.

This is a broad leadership opportunity combining technical authority, team development and business growth. You'll remain connected to complex project work while helping capable people develop, strengthening client relationships and contributing to the future direction of the business.

About Ground Science

Ground Science was established in 2003 and has grown into a recognised provider of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting and laboratory testing services.

We work across residential and land development, commercial construction and major road infrastructure. Ground Science is also nationally recognised for its specialist expertise in sports-field engineering and testing.

We're technically serious but refreshingly down to earth. Our people work hard, share their knowledge and enjoy being part of the team whether that's over a barbecue, around the pool table or celebrating their birthday with a paid day off.

The opportunity

Working closely with the Managing Director, you'll provide leadership across three key areas:

• Technical consulting, project delivery and report review
• Team leadership, mentoring and performance
• Business development and client relationships

You'll act as a trusted technical authority, reviewing complex designs and reports, solving difficult engineering challenges and ensuring clients receive clear, practical advice.

Just as importantly, you'll provide the mature and transparent leadership needed to bring people together, address challenges constructively and create an environment where engineers and engineering geologists can do their best work.

On the commercial side, you'll strengthen existing relationships, identify new opportunities and help prepare major proposals, bids and expressions of interest.

Projects may span land development, pavements, roads, foundations, slope stability, retaining structures, ground improvement and underground works. Additional environmental capability would be highly regarded.

What you'll bring

You’ll be an experienced geotechnical professional who combines technical depth with strong commercial judgement and an open, confident leadership style.

You will also bring:

• Strong knowledge of the Victorian market
• High-level technical report writing and review capability
• Experience leading teams, budgets, workloads and project delivery
• Established client relationships and experience winning work

Chartered or registered professional status is highly desirable.

A role with longer-term possibilities

For someone interested in the possibility of business ownership, this role offers the opportunity to work closely with the Managing Director and gain meaningful exposure to the technical, commercial and operational sides of Ground Science.

As the relationship develops, there may be scope to explore a future pathway to shareholding or an alternative profit-share arrangement. It isn't an automatic or immediate step, but it provides insight into what could be possible for the right person over time.

Ground Science is open to either a full-time appointment or an experienced leader seeking three days per week. Hybrid working arrangements are also available.