Principal Geotechnical Design Engineer

Amentum; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free medical cover

Digital GP service

Enhanced parental leave pay

Employee assistance programmes

Professional development memberships

Job summary

Amentum is expanding its UK Ground Engineering capability to support a diverse portfolio across Defence, Nuclear, Energy, Environment and Government-Owned Critical Infrastructure sectors. We seek an experienced Principal or Technical Director Geotechnical Design Engineer to lead complex project delivery.

The role offers hybrid working from London, Gloucester or Bristol (Glasgow considered). Amentum values safety, integrity, and collaboration, with a focus on innovative ground engineering

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or Engineering Geology, with a relevant MSc or equivalent.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent.
• Significant experience in geotechnical design consultancy and project delivery.
• Demonstrable expertise in numerical modelling using PLAXIS, FLAC/FLAC3D, or equivalent geotechnical analysis software.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering and geotechnical design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical design and delivery of major projects from concept through detailed design and construction support.
• Direct advanced numerical modelling analyses using PLAXIS 2D/3D, FLAC 2D/3D, or equivalent software.
• Deliver geotechnical assessments and designs for foundations, retaining structures, excavations, earthworks and soil-structure interaction problems.
• Review and interpret ground investigation data to develop robust and cost-effective design solutions.
• Contribute to technical excellence, innovation and best practice within the Ground Engineering team.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and support business development activities.
• Collaborate closely with structural, civil, seismic, nuclear and environmental specialists.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Numerical modelling

Project delivery

Client relationships

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering

MSc or equivalent

Tools

PLAXIS 2D/3D

FLAC 2D/3D

FLAC3D

Job description

• Lead the geotechnical design and technical delivery of major projects from concept through to detailed design and construction support.
• Undertake and direct advanced numerical modelling analyses using PLAXIS 2D/3D, FLAC 2D/3D, or similar software.
• Deliver geotechnical assessments and designs for foundations, retaining structures, excavations, earthworks and soil-structure interaction problems.
• Review and interpret ground investigation data to develop robust and cost-effective design solutions.
• Contribute to technical excellence, innovation and best practice within the Ground Engineering team.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and support business development activities.
• Collaborate closely with structural, civil, seismic, nuclear and environmental specialists.

We are growing our UK Ground Engineering capability to support an expanding portfolio of diverse projects across the Defence, Nuclear, Energy, Environment and Government-Owned Critical Infrastructure sectors. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal or Technical Director Geotechnical Design Engineer to join our expanding Ground Engineering team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong geotechnical professional to support and lead the delivery of complex projects. The successful candidate will have a demonstratable background in advanced geotechnical design, numerical modelling and project delivery, with a passion for solving challenging engineering problems and developing innovative ground engineering solutions.

Location: Hybrid from either London, Gloucester, Bristol preferred, will also consider Glasgow.

• Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, or a related discipline with a relevant MSc or equivalent.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Significant experience in geotechnical design consultancy and project delivery.
• Demonstrable expertise in numerical modelling using PLAXIS, FLAC/FLAC3D, or equivalent geotechnical analysis software.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering and geotechnical design principles.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in dynamic and seismic geotechnical engineering, including soil dynamics, liquefaction assessment, and seismic soil-structure interaction.
• Experience delivering projects within the Defence and/or Nuclear sectors.
• Familiarity with nuclear safety case requirements and regulated environments.
• Experience of major infrastructure, energy, marine or underground construction projects.
• Knowledge of performance-based design methodologies and advanced geotechnical analysis techniques.

Our values are built on a strong foundation of safety, integrity, and respect for every individual. People are at the heart of our mission, and we believe in supporting one another through a culture of care and collaboration.

We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. Supporting mental wellbeing and fostering a sense of connection are essential to how we work. When we embrace different perspectives and work together, we become more innovative, more agile, and more successful.

At Amentum, we're not just solving problems; we're engineering the future. Our team is driven by an unyielding commitment to innovation, integrity, and collaboration, tackling some of the most significant challenges in science, security, and sustainability. If you're passionate about making a real impact and want to be part of a community that values ethical excellence, this is the place where your ambition can thrive. Here, we believe that success comes from continuously pushing boundaries and working together to deliver on our promises. We embrace challenges with confidence and are dedicated to creating a secure and vibrant future for all. We'll inspire and empower you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed - today and into tomorrow.

People are our greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you'd expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships.

• Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for us.
• We're happy to discuss hybrid, par time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.
• Career development is also offered.