Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Aldwych Consulting; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK consultancy is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Edinburgh to lead geotechnical solutions across various projects. The role involves project management, technical leadership, and mentoring junior engineers. Applicants should have a relevant degree, chartered status, and experience in geotechnical projects. A competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered, including a supportive working environment with career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive training

Contributory pension

Private healthcare plan

33 days' annual leave

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience managing and delivering geotechnical projects across multiple sectors.
• Strong technical understanding of ground investigation, design, and construction processes.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage and mentor others.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and manipulate geotechnical data from site investigations.
• Prepare ground models and define design parameters.
• Review technical models and ensure quality across all geotechnical deliverables.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Technical understanding

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or Engineering Geology

Chartered Membership of the ICE or Geological Society

Tools

Holebase

Slide

Settle3D

Wallap

Job description

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Location: Edinburgh
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: 50,000 - 58,000 (DOE) plus benefits

I'm working with a highly respected UK consultancy that's looking to appoint a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join their growing Edinburgh team. This is an excellent opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects across the energy, transportation, industrial, retail, residential, and commercial sectors, with clear routes for career progression for those who have achieved chartership and are ready to take the next step in their career.

About the Role

As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you'll lead on the design, analysis, and delivery of geotechnical solutions for multidisciplinary projects across the UK. You'll play a key role in project management, technical leadership, and mentoring junior engineers, while supporting the wider team in business development and bid preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret and manipulate geotechnical data from site investigations for a wide range of projects.
• Prepare ground models and define design parameters.
• Undertake geotechnical analysis and design, including pile design, settlement assessments, slope stability, retaining walls, and foundation design.
• Review technical models and ensure quality across all geotechnical deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and graduates.
• Liaise with internal design teams, clients, and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated project delivery.
• Support senior management with bids, proposals, and wider business development activities.

Qualifications / Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or Engineering Geology (MSc in Geotechnical Engineering advantageous).
• Chartered Membership of the ICE or Geological Society (CEng or CGeol).
• Demonstrable experience managing and delivering geotechnical projects across multiple sectors.
• Strong technical understanding of ground investigation, design, and construction processes.
• Proficiency in geotechnical modelling and analysis software (e.g., Holebase, Slide, Settle3D, Wallap).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage and mentor others.
• Flexible, proactive approach with strong organisational skills.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and excellent flexible benefits package
• Comprehensive training and professional fee reimbursement
• Contributory pension, private healthcare plan, and life insurance
• Interest‑free travel loan
• 33 days' annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)
• Annual leave purchase and buy‑back scheme
• Bonus schemes, including loyalty and qualification awards
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Supportive environment with clear routes for progression

If you're a Chartered Geotechnical Engineer looking to lead technically challenging projects, mentor emerging engineers, and take your career to the next level within a collaborative and growing consultancy, this could be an excellent fit.

Michael Finch
(phone number removed)

Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.