Principal Geotechnical Engineer

SYSTRA UK & Ireland; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SYSTRA UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal/Lead Engineer to head geotechnical projects, directing teams of engineers and technicians across a range of settings. The role involves acting as CRE and Lead Engineer on high-risk projects, with a focus on staff development and successful delivery to client standards.

You will drive digitization efforts (CGM), GIS implementations, and geotechnical design parameters, ensuring alignment with UK standards and EC7 reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ground Engineering or related field (BEng/BSc) with MSc/MEng preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams of geotechnical engineers, geologists, civil engineers and technicians.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Project leadership

Site supervision

BIM coordination

Communication skills

Line management

Contract knowledge

Education

BEng/BSc geotechnical

MEng/MSc geotechnical

Chartered Engineer (ICE/CGeol)

Tools

Plaxis 2D/3D

OpenGround

QGIS

Leapfrog

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.

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.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• 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).

Profile

• 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
• 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
• Membership of a relevant professional body / engineering institute i.e. ICE, IET, IMechE
• Professionally qualified Chartered or Incorporated Engineer