Geotechnical Principal Design Engineer

Galliford Try Plc; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Design Engineer to provide technical leadership and support our Engineering Design Team. The ideal candidate will have significant geotechnical design experience and will be responsible for ensuring technical compliance and overseeing design activities across varied projects. This role offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on high-profile projects.

Benefits

Competitive salary & pension plan

Generous holiday entitlement

Private medical scheme options

Annual professional membership paid

Save as You Earn share purchase scheme

Wide range of corporate discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Significant geotechnical design experience, ideally with a contractor or consultant.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Strong knowledge of soil-structure interaction and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Ensure technical compliance across design outputs.
• Deliver efficient geotechnical designs that balance costs.
• Support procurement and site-based teams with expertise.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Leadership

Problem-solving

Soil mechanics

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Engineering

Chartered Membership of ICE (preferred)

Tools

CAD software

Geotechnical/structural analysis software

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

About the Company

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 – is 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. With an impressive order book of over £3.9 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.

Benefits

• 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