Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Vulcain Engineering Group; Exeter; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcain Engineering Group’s UK arm, Crouch Waterfall, is seeking a Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical projects from Bristol and Exeter. You will own technical scopes, coordinate teams, and contribute to the growth of an expanding UK infrastructure portfolio.

The role offers structured progression toward principal level with mentorship, working across structures, rail and temporary works for public and private clients. Strong English and UK experience required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading geotechnical scopes, packages or small teams.
• Chartered status (or near-chartered) with a recognised body (CEng or CGeol).
• Experience on UK projects and familiarity with UK standards.
• Strong technical reporting and English communication skills.
• Full right to live and work in the UK.
• Rail sector experience and familiarity with engineering software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Take technical and delivery ownership of geotechnical projects, including designs for temporary and permanent works.
• Lead project delivery, manage priorities, programmes and quality standards.
• Oversee and coordinate engineers and technicians, providing direction.
• Manage project delivery activities including programmes, resourcing and invoicing input.
• Prepare and review technical reports, feasibility studies and project documentation.
• Undertake site inspections and geotechnical surveys as required.
• Act as key client contact and support business development.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Chartered status

UK standards

English proficiency

Driving licence

Geotechnical software

Education

Bachelor/MEng in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering

Tools

GEO-5

FEM tools

CAD

Job description

Vulcain Engineering, a player in engineering and consulting, supports global industrial leaders in their transition to a more responsible and sustainable future. We support our customers in the design, construction, commissioning and operation of their complex infrastructures that will shape the world of tomorrow.

With operations in 17 countries and employing over 6,000 staff worldwide, our business responds to the needs of our clients by delivering expertise in the form of high added value engineering services.

In the UK, we have a key focus the Nuclear sector, contributing to ground breaking projects, such as Hinkley Point C (HPC).

This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group.

As part of the Vulcain family, Crouch Waterfall brings decades of specialist experience in Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineering to a wide range of UK infrastructure projects. Crouch Waterfall specialise in core areas of Bridges, Rail, Infrastructure, Buildings and Geotechnical Services, designing and coordinating projects from conception to completion. Established since 1981, the business has enjoyed steady growth driven by a committed and highly skilled workforce of 120 employees.

The Position: Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer

We’re growing our geotechnical team in Bristol & Exeter and are looking for a practical, flexible Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer to play a key role in our continued expansion. This is an opportunity to join a busy, supportive office delivering a diverse range of projects across domestic and commercial structures, rail, bridges and temporary works, spanning both public and private sectors. You’ll take ownership of selected projects, work closely with engineers and technicians, and be supported by senior leadership, with real scope to develop your career while contributing directly to the wider growth of the business.

We are ideally looking for an experienced Principal Engineer, but we also encourage applications from experienced Engineers who are ready to progress to Principal level, with structured support and mentorship provided.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Principal Geotechnical Engineer will include:

• Take technical and delivery ownership of geotechnical projects, leading and approving designs for temporary and permanent works, with a strong focus on reviewing and checking the work of others.
• Lead project delivery across your remit, managing priorities, outputs, programmes and quality standards.
• Oversee and coordinate engineers and technicians within the team, providing technical direction and guidance.
• Manage project delivery activities including programmes, resourcing, forecasting and invoicing input.
• Prepare and review technical reports, feasibility and option studies, and associated project documentation.
• Undertake site inspections and geotechnical surveys where required.
• Act as a key client contact and support relationship development and business development activity.
• Collaborate with other offices and disciplines, mentor junior staff, and contribute to team and wider business growth.

You’ll be joining a dynamic SME with a strong and growing project portfolio across multiple sectors and structure types. The role offers real scope to shape your influence, grow capability around you, and take on broader leadership responsibility. This is a great opportunity for someone from a larger organisation who wants greater visibility, impact, and progression.

Preferred Profile

• Degree qualified (BSc, BEng or MEng) in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive relevant experience in geotechnical engineering alongside demonstrable experience leading technical scopes, project packages or small teams.
• Chartered status (or near-chartered) with a recognised professional body (e.g. CEng or CGeol).
• Experience working on UK projects and familiarity with UK standards and practice.
• Strong technical reporting skills and a high standard of written and spoken English.
• Independent right to live and work in the UK.
• Rail sector experience, geotechnical inspections/surveys, and familiarity with engineering software (e.g. GEO-5, FEM tools, CAD) beneficial but not essential.
• Full UK driving licence useful but not essential.