Chartered Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Matchtech Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit share

Discretionary bonus

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional development

Career progression

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in London to lead the delivery of high‑quality geotechnical solutions for major UK and international infrastructure projects.

You will provide technical leadership within a multidisciplinary team, oversee project delivery, and mentor junior engineers, driving value through innovative design and robust analysis.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer status with postgraduate geotechnical qualification is essential.
• Extensive geotechnical design experience on major infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering projects on time.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical assignments across UK, Ireland and international work.
• Oversee design, analysis and reporting from concept to detailed design.
• Review third-party designs for technical excellence and compliance.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and develop innovative solutions.
• Manage project programmes, budgets and staff utilization.

Skills

Chartered Engineer

Geotechnical design

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Chartered Engineer status

Postgraduate geotechnical qualification

Job description

This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join a growing geotechnical team based in London, playing a key role in the delivery of major UK and international infrastructure projects.

The Role

As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you will lead the development and delivery of high-quality geotechnical engineering solutions across a diverse portfolio of large-scale projects. Working within multidisciplinary teams, you will provide technical leadership, oversee project delivery, and support the development of junior engineers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and delivering geotechnical assignments across the UK, Ireland, and internationally.
• Undertaking geotechnical design and analysis throughout all project stages, from concept development through to detailed design.
• Reviewing and checking internal and third-party designs to ensure technical excellence and compliance with relevant standards.
• Identifying opportunities for value engineering and developing innovative, cost-effective design solutions.
• Carrying out finite element modelling and interpreting results to support design development.
• Preparing technical reports, calculations, specifications, drawings, and other project documentation.
• Conducting site inspections, ground investigations, and construction supervision activities, working closely with contractors and design teams.
• Managing project programmes, resources, budgets, and staff utilisation to ensure successful project delivery.

About You

The successful candidate will be a Chartered Civil Engineer with extensive geotechnical design experience and a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects.

You will ideally have:

• Chartered Engineer status and, preferably, a postgraduate qualification in a geotechnical or related discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of Eurocodes and relevant UK and international design standards, contracts, methodologies, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical and engineering geological principles, including data interpretation, design, analysis, construction methodologies, and advanced numerical modelling.

Detailed experience in the design and analysis of:

• Large-diameter piled foundations (driven, bored and CFA piles)
• Deep excavations and basement structures
• Retaining walls and earth-retaining systems
• Earthworks and ground improvement solutions
• Soil and rock slope engineering
• Seismic and dynamic analysis of pile foundations and pile groups
• Seismicity, liquefaction assessment, instrumentation and monitoring systems
• Experience working to recognised design methodologies and standards including Eurocode, API, AASHTO, LRFD, NGI and ICP approaches.
• Ground investigation expertise, including specification development, tender documentation, supervision and interpretation of investigation data.
• Experience managing projects as a lead designer and assignment manager, with responsibility for commercial performance, contractual matters, programme delivery and budget control.
• A strong background delivering major infrastructure and construction projects across a variety of sectors.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Previous people management experience, including performance management, mentoring, training, recruitment and team development, would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

Alongside the opportunity to work on high-profile and technically challenging projects, you will join a collaborative and inclusive business that places a strong emphasis on technical excellence, innovation and professional development.

The package includes:

• Competitive salary.
• Profit share scheme.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Clear opportunities for career progression.
• A supportive working environment that prioritises employee wellbeing.
• Opportunities to contribute to initiatives focused on health and safety, sustainability, diversity, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong geotechnical professional looking to take a leading role in the delivery of complex infrastructure projects while contributing to the growth and development of a high-performing engineering team.