Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Tetra Tech, Inc.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm in Manchester seeks an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to mentor junior staff and oversee ground investigations. Candidates should have a strong background in geotechnical design and risk management, excellent communication skills, and a relevant degree. This role offers competitive benefits, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth, including support for Chartership.

Benefits

Contributory pension

Life insurance

Health cover

Flexible working options

Chartership bonuses

Professional training and development support

Qualifications

• Experienced in ground risk management and geotechnical design practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and social skills.
• Good understanding of health, safety, and environmental management.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and manage junior team members.
• Engage with clients through meetings.
• Conduct technical oversight of ground investigations.
• Review and interpret geotechnical reports and specifications.
• Manage project finances and schedules.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Ground investigation

Coal mining risk assessments

Excellent communication skills

Team player

IT literate

Education

Degree or master's degree in engineering geology, geotechnical engineering or civil engineering

Job description

Responsibilities

• Mentoring, supporting, line management and training of junior members of the team.
• Engagement with clients via face‑to‑face and Teams meetings.
• Review of desktop assessments and ground constraints assessments.
• Design of ground investigations.
• Technical oversight of ground investigations including site visits.
• Scheduling of laboratory testing (geotechnical and contamination).
• Geotechnical interpretation of ground investigations (GIR) including derivation of geotechnical material parameters and engineering considerations.
• Geotechnical design reports (GDR) for wastewater treatment facilities including below ground shafts up to 20m deep.
• Geotechnical option assessments for range of projects.
• Earthworks specifications, slope stability and settlement assessment.
• Project and financial management.

Qualifications

You will be experienced and knowledgeable in current practice and governing standards/guidance for ground risk management including geotechnical design and ground investigation. You will be self‑driven and be striving to achieve Chartership if you have not already done so. We have an approved training and mentoring scheme aligned with The Geological Society to support the chartership process for Chartered Geologist and Chartered Scientist and an approved scheme with the Institution of Civil Engineers. You will hold a degree and/or master's degree in engineering geology, geotechnical engineering or civil engineering.

You will have substantial experience in engineering geology and geotechnical design from desktop review stage through ground investigation interpretation to geotechnical design.

You will have experience in undertaking coal mining risk assessments and ideally experience in writing grouting specifications.

Ideally you will have experience of the geotechnical design of wastewater treatment facilities.

You will have excellent communication skills and be fully IT literate as you will be required to write clear, concise and technically robust reports.

You will have a good understanding of health, safety and environmental management, as applied to ground investigation and construction works.

You will be a team player with strong social, interpersonal and communication skills.

About the Team

Our Geo‑Environmental Team is a dynamic group of around 100 specialists spread across 10 offices throughout the UK and Ireland, working across three core disciplines: Ground Investigation, Land Quality & Remediation (incl. PFAS & EDD services) and Groundwater & Geothermal. We serve key sectors including Energy, Water, Defence, Nuclear and Property. Over the last 4 years we have grown our business by c 50% and we have ambitious plans built on a clear strategy to continue this rate of growth over the next 4‑5 years.

Benefits and Culture

But what truly sets us apart is our culture. Here, you’ll be supported by a collaborative and inclusive team, trusted to take ownership of your work, challenged to grow your skills and expertise, and empowered to be ambitious in your career goals. We believe in flexible working arrangements, including job shares and part-time opportunities, to help you balance life and work. Plus, we offer attractive Chartership bonuses to reward your professional development milestones.

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the environment, eager to develop your geo‑environmental expertise, and want to be part of a forward‑thinking and fast‑growing business that values your contribution and has excellent opportunities for career development, then this is the place for you.

In return for your dedication, you’ll enjoy an excellent remuneration package, including contributory pension, life insurance, health cover and flexible working options. Pick and choose your perfect blend from advantages including childcare, additional holiday and travel insurance. You’ll also benefit from a tailored package of professional training and development, with support to achieve your career goals and a fully paid professional membership subscription. Tetra Tech’s flexible benefits scheme was introduced in recognition of the fact that the needs and priorities of each individual differ. Tetra Tech’s “Flexible Benefits” is a menu of benefit options which allows you to vary your remuneration package to suit your own personal circumstances.

Tetra Tech wishes to ensure equal opportunity is given to all job applicants. We will not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender (including gender reassignment status), sexual orientation, religious belief, political opinion, marital status, age or disability.