Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer

​; Rickmansworth; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established engineering firm in the UK is on the lookout for a Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer. This role involves leading, managing, and mentoring the geotechnical team while overseeing projects from inception to completion. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in geotechnical consultancy, with a strong commercial background. This position offers a competitive salary of £50,000 – £65,000, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Hybrid working options

Access to co-working spaces

Active mentoring

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ background in geotechnical consultancy or contractor-side design.
• Proven track record managing teams and projects from inception to completion.
• Strong commercial awareness and practical site background.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a geotechnical engineering team.
• Provide technical guidance and oversee project delivery.
• Plan and cost ground investigations and design geotechnical structures.

Skills

Geotechnical consultancy experience

Team management

Project management

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Collaboration

Job description

Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer sought at a busy and growing SME Engineering Consultancy. This role is based in Watford.

Overview

Our client is a specialist geotechnical consultancy with expertise across the full ground engineering cycle, from desk studies and feasibility assessments through to construction. Their core focus includes the design of bored pile retaining walls and foundations, delivery of ground investigations, and preparation of detailed geotechnical reports. In addition to project work, they provide professional training in geotechnical design and Eurocode standards. Serving a diverse client base—from contractors and developers to architects and engineers—they are known for practical solutions and technical excellence.

They are seeking a Principal or Associate-level Geotechnical Engineer to help lead, manage, and most importantly mentor their ambitious and highly motivated team. You’ll provide technical guidance, oversee projects, and ensure delivery on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards.

All their geotechnical engineers experience the entire ground engineering cycle: desk studies, ground investigation, and design. So, in a typical week, you might be planning and costing a ground investigation one day, and the next day you could be involved in the design of a piled foundation for installation by a piling contractor. Variety, challenge, and end-to-end involvement.

This company takes pride in being a close-knit team where communication is the secret to their success. They are looking for a leader who is also a team player – someone with a “can-do” attitude, empathy, and the ability to inspire others.

Requirements

You will have:

• 10+ years’ background in geotechnical consultancy or contractor-side design
• Proven track record managing teams and projects from inception to completion
• Strong commercial awareness and practical site background

Design-Focused:

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• Designing geotechnical structures (piles, retaining walls, soil nails, reinforced earth)
• Understanding how GI data feeds into the design process

Investigation-Focused:

• Scoping and managing ground investigations
• Writing GIRs, GDRs, BIAs, GMAs, and interpreting data for design purposes

On offer

• Salary £50,000 – £65,000
• Hybrid working and genuine flexibility to support work-life balance
• Modern HQ nr Watford, 10 minutes from the London Underground
• Access to hundreds of co-working spaces across London and the UK
• Active mentoring to help you grow technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills
• Strong industry links with ICE, Ground Forum, FPS, RoGEP, and leading universities
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation in geotechnical engineering

To apply for the position of Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer, please submit your current CV (ideally in Word format).

Due to high volume, we are unable to acknowledge every application. Bear in mind that if you are shortlisted you will be contacted in 7 days.

All Evan Craig vacancies require right to work in the UK.