Principal Engineer 2 (Geotechnical)

SYSTRA UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SYSTRA UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead geotechnical teams across multiple mass transit and infrastructure projects in the UK. You will direct design, ground investigations, CGM digitization, and BIM-related deliverables while ensuring compliance with UK standards and safety requirements.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, client liaison, and development of staff capabilities within a dynamic, hybrid-working environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in a Ground Engineering related subject and professional registration desired.
• Experience leading geotechnical project teams and delivering design reports.
• Strong knowledge of UK standards, codes, and CDM compliance.

Responsibilities

• Production and approval of design concepts, drawings, specifications and other technical documents.
• Establish internal design standards and continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.
• Lead, mentor and supervise geotechnical engineers and technicians within the team.
• Oversee ground investigations, ground modelling, and geotechnical design reports.
• Support bids, work-winning activities, and cost control on projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Engineering design principles

Geotechnical engineering knowledge

Computer analysis programs

Safety standards knowledge

Line management experience

Problem solving

Education

Degree in geotechnical/civil/engineering geology

MSc/MEng or equivalent

Chartered engineer (ICE) or CGeol

Tools

Openground

QGIS

Leapfrog

Slope

Wallap

Repute

Piglet

PDISP

Plaxis 2D/3D

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

The Principal Engineer is responsible for leading the delivery of engineering projects and work packages, ensuring outcomes are achieved to required standards, budget, and programme. The post-holder is responsible for assisting with the continuous technical improvement of discipline deliverables and the ongoing development of team capabilities and project success.

• To create, lead and direct teams of geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, civil engineers and technicians on a variety of projects
• To act as CRE, Project Engineer and Lead Engineer on projects (especially high risks projects).
• To assist the Team Leader and discipline lead in work winning development and maximise both company and team opportunities with Clients.
• Assist in the development of staff to ensure the engineering geological and geotechnical skills are available within the department to meet business objectives.
• Assist the Team Lead in the digitization of conceptual ground models (CGM) for use within Building Information Models (BIM).
• Assist the Team Lead in the development and implementation of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) within the Geo-environmental department.
• Lead others in the production of desk studies, developing ground models and identifying and registering key ground risks in accordance with current UK Standards.
• Lead others in the design, planning and supervision of ground investigations, in accordance with current UK Standards.
• Technical supervision of ground investigation fieldworks and liaison with ground investigation contractors.
• Supervise Engineers in the interpretation and verification of ground investigation data including presentation of appropriate ground model, development of geotechnical design parameters and clear presentation of ground risks and independently producing own.
• Oversee senior and junior engineers with, and the independent production of, ground investigation reports and geotechnical design reports in accordance with EC7.
• Significant geotechnical engineering design and site experience at principal engineer level.
• Detailed knowledge and experience of the geotechnical aspects of civil engineering design and construction principles and standards.
• Experienced with proprietary geotechnical software for ground models and design analysis such as (but not limited to) Openground, QGIS, Leapfrog, Slope, Wallap, Repute, Piglet, and PDISP
• Familiar with advanced geotechnical software such as Plaxis 2D/3D or similar.
• Charted engineer (ICE) or chartered geologist (CGeol).
• Degree educated in a Ground Engineering related subject (BEng/BSc in geotechnical/civil/engineering geology, preferably with an MSc/MEng or similar).

Missions/Main Duties

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Production and approval of design concepts, drawings, specifications and other technical documents
• Establishment of internal design standards and/or processes to achieve a continuous improvement in quality and efficiency, contributing to long term technical development of the office by application of new techniques, procedures and practices
• To work at any position within a project team to achieve the project objectives
• Competent to work unsupervised and to supervise others; competent to check and approve the work of others; competent to sign off design certificates on behalf of the company
• Preparation, checking and/or approval of feasibility studies, outline and detailed design technical reports and other written documents
• Implement effective, value for money and innovative design solutions to meet technical and project requirements.
• Prepare and check engineering designs, calculations, and oversee production
• Prepare and check technical documents and reports and assist in the preparation of expressions of interest and tenders
• Ensure compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental legislation, particularly the CDM Regulations
• Effective management of and response to project related correspondence
• Acting as representative within the Technical Directorate and Production Centres in the wider SYSTRA Group
• Support the Team Leader and Discipline Lead with work winning, bids, and financial controls on projects
• Assist the Technical lead in the development and content of deliverables and personnel
• Demonstrate behaviours aligned with SYSTRA's behavioural framework by actively fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, respect, and empowerment, contributing to an environment where all collegues can thrive, achieve, and grow together

Profile/Skills

• Able to identify links and integrate with the business
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability in the application and teaching of engineering design principles and standards
• Proficient in the use of computer analysis programs
• Knowledgeable on relevant design software
• Excellent working knowledge of all PC based Windows environments and Microsoft Office suite
• Ability in the application of safety standards and CDM regulations
• Experience of line management
• Experience of designing and checking engineering deliverables
• Experience of contract conditions, processes and procedures
• Relevant degree (see accompanying addendum)
• Membership of a relevant professional body / engineering institute i.e. ICE, IET, IMechE
• Professionally qualified Chartered or Incorporated Engineer

Workplace Type

Hybrid