Principal Geotechnical Engineer

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Tadcaster; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

LSTC Group Ltd invites an accomplished Principal Geotechnical / Geoenvironmental Engineer to join our team in Tadcaster. You will lead standalone Geotechnical, Geoenvironmental and Foundation projects from client briefs through to delivery, with a focus on safe, compliant and high-quality outcomes.

As a technically strong, commercially minded professional you will mentor engineers, drive procedures, and help shape our geotechnical capability across the business while navigating evolving

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical/Geoenvironmental Engineering or related field.
• Chartered status with a Professional Institution.
• 10+ years' geotechnical/geoenvironmental engineering and site investigation experience.
• Experience managing large-scale ground investigation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead standalone Geotechnical, Geoenvironmental and Foundation projects from client briefs through to delivery.
• Own projects end-to-end, including budget control and client/office meetings.
• Shape geotechnical procedures, quality systems and best practice.
• Lead on Health & Safety and CDM compliance across deliverables.
• Mentor engineers, conduct staff reviews, and build a high-performing team.
• Identify and shape new tender opportunities, preparing costs and proposals.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring juniors

Stakeholder management

Health & Safety awareness

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's Degree in Civil Engineering / Geology / Geotechnical/Geoenvironmental Engineering or related field

Chartered status with a Professional Institution

Job description

LSTC Group Ltd is a powerhouse in delivering full turnkey solutions that shape the future of the electricity sector. As part of the SOCOTEC Group, we are a leading infrastructure testing and asset inspection specialist serving the UK's regulated energy sector.

From initial design to inspection of assets, our work makes a real difference to clients and communities, with sustainability at the core of everything we do. With contracts across multiple sectors in the UK's power transmission and distribution infrastructure, we use our expertise to solve diverse engineering challenges, enhancing reliability and efficiency across the network.

Our extensive in-house capabilities eliminate the need for multiple suppliers and simplify processes for our clients. We provide comprehensive services including:

• Geotechnical & Foundation Engineering
• Substation Design
• Asset Inspection
• Infrastructure Projects
• Surveying and Earthing Services

We support transmission owners, distribution network operators, independent connection providers, and project developers who collectively invest billions annually in maintaining and expanding the UK's energy infrastructure.

Job Description

Are you ready to take the next step in your geotechnical career and help shape the future of ground engineering at LSTC?

We're looking for an experienced Principal Geotechnical / Geoenvironmental Engineer to join our team in Tadcaster. This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically strong, commercially minded engineer to combine hands-on project leadership with a genuine influence over how our geotechnical and geoenvironmental capability grows across the business.

What you'll be doing

• Leading with expertise – Acting as a trusted technical authority, you'll guide project managers and mentor junior engineers, helping to raise the bar across the Geotechnical Reporting team.
• Owning projects, start to finish – Taking full ownership of standalone Geotechnical, Geoenvironmental and Foundation projects, from client briefs through to delivery, budget control and site/office meetings.
• Shaping the way we work – Driving forward LSTC's geoenvironmental procedures, quality systems and best practice, keeping us ahead of evolving legislation and industry standards.
• Championing safety and compliance – Leading on Health & Safety and CDM matters, ensuring every deliverable meets the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.
• Growing our people – Reviewing team performance, mentoring engineers, running staff reviews, and building a high-performing, engaged team.
• Winning new work – Spotting and shaping new tender opportunities, preparing costs and proposals, and advising on timescales and deliverables.

Qualifications

What we're looking for

• A Master's Degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical/Geoenvironmental Engineering or a related field.
• Chartered status with a relevant Professional Institution.
• 10+ years' experience in geotechnical and/or geoenvironmental engineering and site investigation, including managing large-scale ground investigation projects.
• Advanced, up-to-date knowledge of relevant industry legislation and best practice.
• A track record of mentoring and developing junior engineers.
• Strong ability to juggle competing priorities, meet demanding deadlines, and bring together multi-disciplinary inputs into robust, risk-mitigated solutions.
• Experience in the OHL (Overhead Line) industry is a plus.
• A valid UK driving licence (or one acceptable to our insurers), and a willingness to travel to other LSTC or client offices as required.

Additional Information

This is more than a technical role – it's a chance to genuinely influence the direction of our geotechnical practice, mentor the next generation of engineers, and take ownership of exciting, high-profile projects. If you're a proven geotechnical/geoenvironmental professional looking for a role with real breadth, responsibility and impact, we'd love to hear from you.

LSTC Group Ltd offers a people-first culture built on trust, integrity, and collaboration, where inclusivity and sustainability are at the heart of everything they do. The company values its diverse workforce and empowers employees with the resources, respect, and recognition needed to thrive. LSTC is committed to employee wellbeing year-round, providing comprehensive health support through an Employee Assistance Programme, GP24 access, and a Private Health plan. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, meaningful work that makes a real difference to communities, and opportunities to collaborate across multiple disciplines within extensive in-house capabilities. With technical excellence as a driving force and a culture that fosters innovation and professional growth, LSTC Group creates an environment where every individual can flourish and contribute to shaping the future of the UK's electricity sector.