Geotechnical Principal Design Engineer

Galliford Try; Chelmsley Wood; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is seeking a Geotechnical Principal Design Engineer to oversee technical delivery and governance of geotechnical design activities. You will lead on technical excellence, mentor colleagues, and ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate has significant geotechnical design experience and holds a relevant engineering degree. Exceptional benefits and career development opportunities await the successful applicant.

Benefits

Competitive salary & pension plan

Generous holiday entitlement

Private medical scheme options

Annual professional membership paid

Wide range of corporate discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (or equivalent qualification).
• Significant geotechnical design experience, ideally with a contractor, consultant, or specialist supplier.
• Chartered Member of ICE (preferred) or working towards chartership.

Responsibilities

• Ensure technical compliance and excellence across design outputs.
• Deliver efficient, safe, and buildable geotechnical designs.
• Lead and promote innovation, value engineering, and digital design.

Skills

Geotechnical design experience

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of soil mechanics

Proficient in CAD

Education

Degree in Engineering

Tools

Geotechnical/structural analysis software

Job description

Job Title

Geotechnical Principal Design Engineer

Can Be Based From The Following Office Locations: Solihull, Warrington, Grangemouth, Bristol, Rickmansworth, Annesley

About Us

Galliford Try is one of the UK's most formidable construction businesses with an enviable track record of delivering schemes that strive to provide positive, lasting change for the communities we work in. As a FTSE 250 organisation, we turnover £1.5 billion and employ over 3,500 people across four successful Divisions: Building, Infrastructure, Environment and Specialist Services.

As one of the UK's top principal contractors, you'll have the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most exciting projects, offering you stability as well as the chance to stretch your capabilities and realise long-held career goals. You will be joining diverse teams working at a high professional level with exceptional levels of commitment.

Our Environment Division

Following various acquisitions, we are now the largest Tier 1 Contractor operating in the UK Water/Environment sector with a long-term portfolio trading at £400 million a year. As part of our Source to Sea Strategy, we have brought together all aspects of Engineering Design under one Business Unit, which is expanding to provide in-house design support to our Regional Business Units across the UK.

The Temporary Works and Geotechnical team provides a vital role in supporting our Highways, Building, and Environment Business Units, focusing on delivering high-quality services, developing strong relationships, and generating repeat work.

Purpose of the Role

As Geotechnical Principal Design Engineer, you will play a key role in our Engineering Design Team, working closely with Design Leads, Technical Managers and the Design Delivery Manager. You will be responsible for the technical delivery, governance and assurance of geotechnical design activities across a wide range of temporary works and permanent works support.

You will lead on technical excellence, drive innovation, and ensure solutions improve safety, buildability, and cost-effectiveness. Alongside undertaking design work, you will provide engineering oversight, mentor colleagues, support procurement activities, and offer site-based construction teams technical expertise as required.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure technical compliance, excellence, and assurance across design outputs.
• Deliver efficient, safe, and buildable geotechnical designs that balance capital and operational cost benefits.
• Provide governance and compliance with CDM regulations, health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Lead and promote innovation, value engineering, and digital design.
• Support pre-contract activities, procurement, and site-based teams with technical expertise.
• Champion lessons learnt and promote knowledge sharing across design teams.
• Mentor and develop design staff, supporting professional development and accreditation with ICE, IStructE, and other bodies.

About You

• Degree in Engineering (or equivalent qualification).
• Chartered Member of ICE (preferred) or working towards chartership.
• Significant geotechnical design experience, ideally with a contractor, consultant, or specialist supplier.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, soil-structure interaction, and construction methods.
• Proficient in CAD and geotechnical/structural analysis software.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial and contractual awareness.
• Full UK driving licence.

What We Can Offer in Return

With an impressive order book of over £4.1 billion, Galliford Try is one of the industry's leading principal contractors, giving you the chance to work on high-profile projects that will challenge and reward you. You will join diverse, committed teams and benefit from our ambitious growth strategy.

We support your wellbeing through our Be Well programme, invest in high-quality training at all levels, and offer clear career development pathways.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive salary & pension plan
• Generous holiday entitlement, with option to purchase more
• Private medical scheme options
• Annual professional membership paid
• Save as You Earn share purchase scheme
• Wide range of corporate discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme

Additional Information

Galliford Try welcomes applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly, reduced hours, or part-time. Please discuss this with us during the process.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for candidates with a long-term health condition or disability who meet the essential criteria.

Note for agencies: We prefer to hire directly and will contact PSL agencies if this role is released