Principal Ground Engineer

AECOM; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental insurance

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

AECOM is recruiting a Principal Ground Engineer to join the Enterprise Capabilities team. You will lead ground engineering efforts on major projects, focusing on transportation and water sectors and utilizing advanced geotechnical software.

This role offers a path to influence design standards and deliver complex solutions on a global stage. The ideal candidate brings 12+ years in ground/tunnelling design, strong leadership skills, and fluency in English.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of working on ground and tunnelling engineering designs (+12 years).
• Team management experience (+3 years) preferred.
• Proficiency in rock mechanics and geotechnical analysis.
• Experience with international regulations and standards.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a lead ground engineer on mid- to large size projects.
• Provides technical expertise for studies and design efforts and conducts complex value engineering evaluations.
• Performs quality control reviews and signs off on work.
• Accountable for team results and adherence to budget.
• Delivers clear communication of expectations and requirements.
• Trains, mentors and evaluates less experienced staff

Skills

Fluent English

Ground engineering

Tunnelling design

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master in Geological/Geotechnical/Civil/Mining Engineering

US/Australia PE license (preferred)

Tools

Rocscience

Plaxis

Geostudio

Openground

Leapfrog

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 52,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

About Enterprise Capabilities

Enterprise Capabilities is a service-led organization within AECOM enabling access to a global talent pool. With offices in India, China, Spain, Poland, Romania and the Philippines, our teams of technical professionals provide around the clock project support helping AECOM teams around the world to deliver faster, smarter and better. EC supports AECOM’s ability to work as one global team by standardizing design processes, deploying collaboration technologies, and utilizing a connected network of technical expertise. By joining EC, you have the unique opportunity to work on AECOM’s monumental projects located around the world, contributing to our mission of delivering a better world.

Here, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

We are currently recruiting for a Principal Ground Engineer to join our high performance and experienced team. The team provides assessment, concept, feasibility, preliminary and detailed designs on a wide range of Projects, mainly as part of multidisciplinary major projects. You may have the opportunity to work on some of the most iconic Transportation projects, being part of a diverse and multicultural team. It can be a great opportunity for a senior profile to consolidate his career on the ground engineering and digital space.

The responsibilities of this role include:

• Serves as a lead ground engineer on mid- to large size projects supported by EC.
• Provides technical expertise for studies and design efforts and conducts complex value engineering evaluations, determining alternative designs and construction techniques.
• Performs quality control reviews of work developed by others. Approves and signs off on work.
• Accountable for the results of the team and adherence to agreed upon budget for a specific package of work.
• Delivers effective communication to clarify expectations and requirements.
• Trains, mentors and evaluates less experienced staff

Minimum Requirements

• Proven track record of working on ground and tunnelling engineering designs (+12 years) for Transportation and Water Projects.
• Team management experience (+3 years) will be considered favorably.
• Proficiency in rock mechanics
• Proficiency using various software packages for analysis and design such as Rocscience package, Plaxis (2D/3D), Geostudio, Openground, Leapfrog etc.
• Proven commitment with Quality Control Policy and Quality Management System.
• Experience with international regulations and standards (AASTHO; Eurocodes; British Standards, etc.).
• Experience working in the North America region / Australia will be considered favorably.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master degree in Geological Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering from a recognized University.
• US and/or Australia Professional Engineer license will be considered favorably.

About AECOM

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• AD&D
• disability benefits
• paid time off
• leaves of absences
• voluntary benefits
• perks
• flexible work options
• well-being resources
• employee assistance program
• business travel insurance
• service recognition awards
• retirement savings plan
• employee stock purchase plan

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

Work Location Model: Hybrid