Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Exeter

WSP; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Exeter is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to act as technical lead on complex geotechnical and multidisciplinary projects. You will drive ground models, assessments, and deliverables while overseeing programme, budget, and quality assurance.

You will mentor engineers, develop client relationships, and lead ground investigation planning to support design and construction across major infrastructure projects. Exeter-based with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in geotechnical engineering and ground risk management.
• Experience delivering complex geotechnical design and analysis across sectors.
• Ability to lead technical delivery, manage project risks and ensure QA of outputs.
• Commercial awareness with project management and fee control.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead on complex geotechnical and multidisciplinary projects.
• Lead development of ground models, assessments, and technical deliverables.
• Conduct advanced geotechnical analysis for foundations, earthworks, and slopes.
• Manage project delivery including programme, budget, and QA.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Engineering geology

Ground risk management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Education

Chartered engineer (ICE or Geological Society)

Job description

Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Exeter

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

We are looking for Principal Geotechnical Engineers to join our existing team in Exeter.

A little more about your role…

• Acting as a technical lead on complex geotechnical and multidisciplinary projects, providing specialist advice and oversight throughout project lifecycles.
• Leading the development of ground models, geotechnical assessments, design solutions and technical deliverables across a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Undertaking and reviewing advanced geotechnical analysis and design for foundations, retaining structures, earthworks, slopes and other geotechnical assets.
• Managing project delivery, including programme, commercial performance, quality assurance and risk management responsibilities.
• Leading client relationships, supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities to grow existing and new accounts.
• Directing the planning, procurement and management of ground investigations, ensuring data is interpreted effectively to support design and construction.
• Providing technical leadership, coaching and mentorship to engineers and engineering geologists, supporting career development and technical excellence within the team.
• Supporting the development of bidding and tender submissions, including technical methodologies, resource planning and fee proposals.
• Championing innovation, sustainability and digital delivery, promoting best practice across geotechnical engineering and wider project teams.
• Working collaboratively across disciplines, regions and sectors to deliver integrated solutions for major infrastructure and development projects.

Providing leadership, line management, coaching and technical mentorship to engineers and engineering geologists, supporting succession planning and professional development.

Working closely with senior leaders to support team strategy, workload planning, recruitment, utilisation and the continued growth of the geotechnical business.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• A strong technical background in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology and ground risk management, with experience delivering complex projects.
• Significant experience in geotechnical design, analysis and interpretation across a variety of sectors and ground conditions.
• A proven ability to lead technical delivery, manage project risks and provide quality assurance for geotechnical outputs.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience of project management, fee control and successful project delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience leading and supervising ground investigation programmes and providing technical oversight during construction phases.
• A track record of supporting business development activities, winning work and contributing to client growth strategies.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members while promoting a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Chartered status with a relevant professional institution (ICE, Geological Society or equivalent), or demonstrable progress towards chartership.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

#LI-JC3

Job Info

• Job Identification 95963
• Posting Date 09/23/2026, 02:42 PM

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.