Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Water Sector

Stantec; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile working model

Commitment to sustainability

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

A leading engineering and environmental consultancy in the UK is looking for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to provide technical leadership and oversee geotechnical risks for significant infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will mentor junior engineers and ensure high-quality, innovative solutions are implemented. With a focus on sustainability and inclusive growth, this role requires a strong background in geotechnical engineering, along with a passion for collaborative leadership and client engagement. Experience and qualifications in the field are essential.

Qualifications

• You must be a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Geologist (CGeol).
• Extensive experience in the UK consultancy environment is required.
• You should have a passion for geotechnical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex geotechnical risks for high-profile infrastructure projects.
• Oversee the preparation and approval of geotechnical reports.
• Mentor Senior and Graduate engineers across our hubs.
• Support strategic growth by identifying new business opportunities.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Ground Investigation Design

Data Acquisition

Collaborative Leadership

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, or a related discipline

Job description

Opportunity

As we move through 2026, Stantec’s Environmental Services Team is redefining the intersection of engineering and ecology. We are seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing regional hubs in Warrington, Leeds, and Newcastle. Whether you are based in any of those locations, you will act as a strategic leader, providing technical excellence and shaping the way we manage ground risk across some of the UK’s most critical infrastructure programmes.

This is a pivotal moment to join our leadership team. With the AMP8 investment cycle at its peak, you will provide strategic oversight for our work with major clients across the country, including United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water. As a Principal, you will be the key interface between our multidisciplinary design teams and our clients, ensuring that geotechnical innovation—including nature-based solutions and digital twin integration—is embedded at the start of every project lifecycle.

You will be responsible for technical quality, project commerciality, and the mentoring of our rising engineers. At Stantec, we offer a truly agile working model that prioritises your work‑life blend, set within a culture globally recognised for its commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth.

Role

The key focus of this position is to provide high‑level technical direction and specialist input across a diverse regional portfolio. Your role will involve:

• Strategic Advisory: managing complex geotechnical risks for high‑profile infrastructure projects from feasibility through to construction.
• Technical Governance: overseeing the preparation and approval of interpretative geotechnical reports and the design/analysis of sophisticated geotechnical structures.
• Team & Talent Development: mentoring Senior and Graduate engineers across our hubs, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovative thinking.
• Business Development: supporting our strategic growth by identifying new opportunities and building lasting relationships with key stakeholders and joint venture partners in the Northern markets.

About You

You are an industry‑recognised professional with a deep passion for geotechnical engineering and a desire to challenge the status quo. You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, or a related discipline and are a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Geologist (CGeol) with a relevant institution such as the ICE or the Geological Society.

With extensive experience in the UK consultancy environment, you possess a masterly understanding of ground investigation design, data acquisition, and complex interpretative reporting. Most importantly, you are a collaborative leader who can translate intricate technical challenges into clear, actionable strategies for our clients. You thrive on delivering quality solutions that not only meet engineering requirements but also provide lasting environmental and community benefits in 2026 and beyond.

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We tackle today’s challenges, while also focusing on a fairer, better tomorrow, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [e-mail] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.