Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Water Sector

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.; Warrington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile working model

Commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to manage complex geotechnical risks for critical infrastructure projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical Engineering, along with Chartered status. This role emphasizes technical governance, mentoring of junior staff, and business development, set within a culture prioritizing sustainability and inclusive growth. The position is based in multiple locations including Warrington, Leeds, and Newcastle.

Qualifications

• Experienced in the UK consultancy environment with significant geotechnical knowledge.
• Proficient in ground investigation design, data acquisition, and complex reporting.
• Able to convey technical challenges into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex geotechnical risks for infrastructure projects.
• Oversee geotechnical reports and design processes.
• Mentor Senior and Graduate engineers.
• Support business development and stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering expertise

Leadership and mentoring

Complex problem solving

Education

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

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Geologist (CGeol)

Job description

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.

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.

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.