Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Applefields School; Otley; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Company pension (6%)

25 days holiday

Professional development

Job summary

Align Property Services is seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead cutting-edge ground engineering solutions across high-profile infrastructure and development projects. The role can be based in Otley, with regular attendance in the Northallerton office, one day a week.

You will supervise projects from feasibility through delivery, mentor staff, ensure compliance with Eurocodes and British Standards, and build strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering.
• MSc Geotechnical Engineering is required.
• Chartered professional (CEng, CGeol or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years post-chartership experience.
• Experience in consultancy geotechnical projects.
• Strong grasp of UK ground investigation standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical and engineering geology projects from planning through to completion.
• Design and oversee ground investigations for development projects.
• Interpret ground conditions and prepare technical reports and recommendations.
• Develop geotechnical design solutions (foundations, slope stability, earthworks, retaining structures).
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and client expectations.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership across project teams.
• Mentor graduate and early-career engineers and geologists.
• Build strong client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• Contribute to proposals, tenders, and networking activities.

Skills

Engineering Geology

Geotechnical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Project leadership

Report writing

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Communication

Driving licence

Education

MSc Geotechnical Engineering

Degree in Engineering Geology

Job description

Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Otley, West Yorkshire

Contract: Permanent, full-time, Monday – Friday

Benefits: 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays’, company pension and other benefits.

Due to recent successful awards of several large, complex landslide investigations and a growing portfolio of schemes across the North of England, we are now looking for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead and deliver cutting-edge ground engineering solutions across a range of high-profile infrastructure and development projects at Align Property Services.

In this role, you’ll lead the way in delivering innovative geotechnical solutions across some of the most iconic landscapes in North Yorkshire. From designing and reviewing complex retaining structures and remedial works for landslip sites to overseeing risk assessments and ensuring compliance with Eurocodes and British Standards, your expertise will shape safe, sustainable outcomes. You’ll manage projects from feasibility through delivery, provide strategic input, and mentor a talented team, developing skills and fostering technical excellence within the Geotechnical Department. The role can be based in Otley, with regular attendance in the Northallerton office, one day a week.

If you thrive on solving challenging ground conditions and influencing major infrastructure projects, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of North Yorkshire Council, we’re one of the largest and most respected building design consultancies in the North of England. Our collaborative, forward thinking team delivers a wide range of services, including:

• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
• Building Surveying & Project Management
• Quantity Surveying & CDM

From small scale surveys to multi-million-pound developments, including schools, fire stations, care homes, and heritage buildings, our projects are as varied as our clients. With a strong and growing pipeline across both public and private sectors, there’s never been a better time to join us.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and deliver geotechnical and engineering geology projects from planning through to completion.
• Design and oversee ground investigations for a variety of development projects.
• Interpret ground conditions and produce clear, high-quality technical reports and recommendations.
• Develop geotechnical design solutions, including foundations, slope stability, earthworks, retaining structures, and ground improvement.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, commercial performance, and client expectations.
• Provide technical guidance, quality assurance, and leadership across project teams.
• Support the development and mentoring of graduate and early-career engineers and geologists.
• Build strong client relationships and identify opportunities for repeat and new business.
• Contribute to business growth through proposals, tenders, and networking activities

What we’re looking for

• Degree qualified in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline, with an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Chartered professional (CEng, CGeol, or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years' post-chartership experience.
• Proven consultancy experience delivering geotechnical and engineering geology projects.
• Strong understanding of UK ground investigation standards, geotechnical analysis, and design principles.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and managing projects through all stages of delivery.
• Excellent technical report writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially aware, with experience managing project budgets and financial performance.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites as required.

For a full outline of the roles and responsibilities, please review the job description

What we can offer you

When you join Align, you will join a team of professionals who feel rewarded for the work they do. Operating in a friendly and professional environment, we want to provide the training and resources to succeed and thrive in your role. Our people are not just numbers, everyone is crucial to the vital services we provide, and we treat everyone in our teams with respect and complete support.

In return for your commitment, we offer:

• A Competitive salary up to £60,000 per year, dependent on your skills and experience.
• Enrolment on to a company pension scheme which we will contribute to up 6%.
• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays, with opportunity to purchase up to 10 additional annual leave days per leave year.
• Hybrid and flexible working options to support you in a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development through varying project work.
• A benefits scheme which includes a good maternity leave package, cycle2work scheme and our online voucher portal giving access to discounts from leading retailers to help you save on shopping, days out, or nights in.
• Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme and Counselling Service.
• Stability in your role - public sector security in a private sector industry.

Closing date

Midnight on Thursday 24th of September 2026

Interviews are planned to take place throughout the recruitment process, if you would like to apply, please do so now and we will respond to you quickly. We reserve the right to remove this vacancy in the event of the position being filled before the proposed deadline.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief.

Please note, we will not accept applications from agencies and can only consider applications from individuals with right to work within the UK.