Senior Design Engineer Deep Foundations (2 Year FTC)

VSL International Ltd.; Tilbury; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VSL International Ltd. is seeking a Senior Engineer - Deep Foundations to lead piling, diaphragm wall and deep foundation works on the Lower Thames Crossing in the UK. You will coordinate site engineers, subcontractors and temporary works teams to deliver safely, on time and to spec.

The role requires a Civil/Geotechnical Engineering degree with PPE in a live infrastructure environment and potential ICE accreditation being advantageous.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Professional accreditation (ICE or equivalent) would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate piling, diaphragm wall and deep foundation works on major infrastructure projects.
• Interpret design drawings and specifications for site implementation across the Lower Thames Crossing.
• Lead site engineers, subcontractors and temporary works teams to meet programme, quality and safety targets.
• Support planning, QA/QC, RAMS/ITP development and records management on site.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement across the works.

Skills

Deep foundations

Piling

Diaphragm walls

Site engineering

QA/QC procedures

HSE awareness

Leadership

Communication

Education

Civil Engineering degree

ICE accreditation advantageous

Job description

As part of Bouygues Construction's Public Works division, VSL International participates in the construction of major technical structures and guarantees their structural safety and durability: transport infrastructure (bridges, tunnels), industrial and energy production structures, and commercial buildings.

VSL's Business Is Based On Four Areas Of Expertise

• Structural systems and technologies
• Civil engineering
• Foundations and soil engineering
• Preservation, structural repairs, renovation and optimization of structures.

VSL has 4,000 employees at 25 locations worldwide (Asia and Oceania, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Canada).

Project

The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes, linking Kent and Essex via the longest road tunnel in the country.

Delivered within a collaborative alliance environment, the project involves complex enabling works, geotechnical operations, deep foundations, soil mixing, and large-scale civil engineering activities essential to the successful delivery of the scheme.

This technically demanding infrastructure programme combines major construction logistics, temporary works, heavy plant operations, and high-risk construction activities within a live project environment.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer - Deep Foundations to support the delivery of major geotechnical and foundation works on the Lower Thames Crossing project.

Reporting directly to the Project Manager, you will play a key role in coordinating and delivering piling, diaphragm wall, and deep foundation activities across the project, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with programme, quality, and technical requirements.

Working closely with Construction Managers, Engineering teams, Temporary Works Coordinators, and specialist subcontractors, you will support the successful delivery of technically complex construction activities within a major infrastructure environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-profile civil engineering project and contribute to one of the UK’s largest infrastructure schemes.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Construction Delivery

• Support day-to-day site engineering activities across soil mixing, piling, and diaphragm wall operations
• Monitor construction progress and report to the Project Engineer
• Interpret design drawings and technical documentation for on-site implementation
• Contribute to planning, sequencing, and coordination of ground engineering works
• Lead and coordinate day-to-day site engineering activities across deep foundation works, including piling and diaphragm wall operations
• Support construction planning, sequencing, logistics, and temporary works coordination to ensure efficient project delivery
• Review and interpret design drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for site implementation
• Provide technical guidance and support to Site Engineers, supervisors, and subcontractors during construction activities
• Monitor construction progress, productivity, and performance against programme requirements
• Assist in resolving technical and operational challenges during delivery phases

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all works are delivered in compliance with project quality, environmental, and health & safety standards
• Oversee inspections, testing, and quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with design specifications
• Support implementation and review of RAMS, ITPs, and safe systems of work
• Promote a strong safety-first culture across site teams and subcontractors
• Support incident investigations, risk assessments, and implementation of corrective actions where required

Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate closely with subcontractors, client representatives, temporary works teams, and internal stakeholders
• Maintain accurate engineering records, QA documentation, and site reporting
• Support procurement and subcontractor management activities where required
• Participate in technical meetings and construction coordination reviews

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor and support junior engineers and site teams
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and construction activities
• Support effective collaboration across multidisciplinary project teams within the alliance environment

Candidate Profile

Education & Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related discipline
• Working towards or holding professional accreditation (ICE or equivalent) would be advantageous

Experience

• Proven experience within deep foundations, piling, or diaphragm wall works on major infrastructure or heavy civil engineering projects
• Previous experience operating as a Senior Engineer or experienced Site Engineer within complex construction environments
• Experience coordinating specialist subcontractors and managing site engineering activities
• Exposure to large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, rail, tunnelling, or marine works would be beneficial

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of piling, diaphragm wall, and deep foundation construction methodologies
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and construction sequencing requirements
• Good knowledge of QA/QC procedures, temporary works coordination, and construction documentation
• Strong understanding of HSE requirements within live construction environments

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and solutions-focused approach
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Organised and detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and safety
• Comfortable operating within a fast-paced, site-based major project environment
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships across multidisciplinary teams

VSL/Bouygues Construction is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy is available upon request