Principal Engineer 2 (Geotechnical)

SYSTRA

Birmingham

Hybrid

GBP 70,000 - 100,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Private healthcare

Electric car scheme

Flexible benefits

Job summary

SYSTRA is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in the UK to lead geotechnical design and delivery across complex projects. You will guide teams, shape ground models, and ensure robust technical outputs while aligning with programme budgets and safety standards.

The role requires senior or principal-level experience, a related degree (ideally with postgraduate specialization), and Chartered status preferred.

Qualifications

Strong experience in geotechnical engineering design and site delivery at a senior or principal level.
Degree-qualified in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering or Engineering Geology, ideally with postgraduate specialization.
Chartered Engineer (ICE) or Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status preferred.

Responsibilities

Take lead in delivering geotechnical projects and ensure outputs align with programme and budget.
Provide technical leadership across geotechnical activities, from desk studies to ground investigation data.
Develop and check design concepts, drawings, and technical documentation.
Lead interpretation of ground investigations and prepare ground models.
Develop teams of geotechnical engineers and technicians for quality and growth.
Improve internal standards and adopt new techniques for efficient delivery.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate geotechnical solutions.

Skills

Geotechnical design leadership

Senior/Principal experience

Ground investigation planning

Team leadership

Communication skills

CDM compliance

Education

Geotechnical/Civil Engineering degree

Postgraduate specialization

Chartered Engineer (ICE) or Chartered Geologist (CGeol) preferred

Tools

OpenGround

GIS

Leapfrog

Slope/W

Wallap

Plaxis

PDisp

Job description

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

Context

We are looking for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to take a leading role in the delivery of geotechnical engineering projects and work packages. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically accomplished and commercially aware professional who can combine strong engineering judgement with team leadership, project oversight and high-quality technical delivery.

In this role, you will help shape and deliver geotechnical and engineering geological solutions across complex projects, ensuring outcomes are achieved to the required standards, budget and programme. You will also play an important part in strengthening team capability, supporting technical development and contributing to the continuous improvement of geotechnical delivery across the business.

Missions / Main Duties

Take the lead in delivering geotechnical engineering projects and work packages, ensuring technical outputs are well planned, coordinated and aligned with programme, budget and quality expectations.
Provide confident technical leadership across geotechnical activities, from desk studies and ground models through to design development, reporting and the management of ground investigation information.
Help shape robust and practical engineering solutions by preparing, reviewing and approving design concepts, drawings, specifications and associated technical documentation.
Play a central role in the development and checking of geotechnical calculations, assessments and design parameters, ensuring risks are clearly understood and communicated.
Support the production and interpretation of ground investigations, including planning fieldworks, overseeing data review and helping project teams turn site information into sound engineering decisions.
Lead and develop teams of geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists and technicians, creating an environment where technical quality, collaboration and professional growth can thrive.
Contribute to smarter and more efficient delivery by improving internal standards, tools and design processes, while encouraging the use of new techniques and practical innovation.
Work closely with wider project teams to integrate geotechnical solutions into multidisciplinary delivery, supporting safe, buildable and commercially effective outcomes.
Take ownership of project-related communication and responses, ensuring correspondence is managed effectively and professionally.
Champion compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental legislation, particularly CDM Regulations, while helping maintain a strong and proactive safety culture.

Profile / Skills

Strong experience in geotechnical engineering design and site delivery at a senior or principal level.
Degree qualified in a relevant subject such as Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering or Engineering Geology, ideally with postgraduate specialisation.
Professionally qualified, with Chartered Engineer (ICE) or Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status preferred.
Excellent knowledge of geotechnical principles, design practice and construction methods, with the ability to apply these effectively on complex projects.
Proven capability in planning and supervising ground investigations, developing ground models and identifying key geotechnical risks in line with current UK standards.
Experience in producing and checking technical deliverables, reports, calculations and design documentation to a high professional standard.
Familiarity with relevant geotechnical software such as OpenGround, GIS, Leapfrog, Slope/W, Wallap, Repute, Plaxis and PDisp or similar platforms.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to guide teams, build relationships and work effectively across the wider business.
Good understanding of quality standards, procedures, contract conditions and the application of CDM Regulations within project delivery.
High level of competence in standard digital tools including Microsoft Office and project-based technical systems.

Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders.

a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility

Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing