Principal Engineer 2 (Geotechnical)

SYSTRA; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Private healthcare

Electric car scheme

Flexible benefits

Job summary

SYSTRA is seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer in the UK to lead geotechnical delivery on complex projects. You will oversee desk studies, ground models, design development and technical documentation, guiding teams to robust engineering solutions.

You will shape investigations, manage ground information, and ensure safety and quality across the project lifecycle while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Senior/Principal geotechnical engineer with delivery experience.
• Degree in Geotechnical/Civil Eng or Geology; chartered status preferred.
• Chartered ICE or CGeol preferred; strong technical leadership expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical projects and manage work packages, ensuring quality, schedule and budget.
• Provide technical leadership from desk studies to ground investigations and design checks.
• Develop and review design concepts, drawings and specifications.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Site delivery

Leadership

UK standards

Ground investigations

Project delivery

Communication

Software knowledge

Education

Geotechnical/Civil Engineering degree

Chartered Engineer (ICE) or Chartered Geologist (CGeol)

Tools

OpenGround

GIS

Leapfrog

Slope/W

Wallap

Repute

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 1,000 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. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, 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

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions, to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

About

If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email: [e-mail] where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.

Workplace Type

Hybrid