Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Site-Based, Contract)

Phicon Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 129,000; Part time

Job summary

Phicon Ltd is seeking a hands-on Senior Geotechnical Engineer to embed on construction sites in the UK and lead geotechnical delivery during the construction phase. The role requires strong EC7 fundamentals, practical decision-making for buildability, safety, and quality, and mentoring juniors while representing client interests daily.

The successful candidate will oversee earthworks, foundations, slopes, retaining structures, and QA/ITP activities, coordinating with design and structural teams

Qualifications

• Chartered or near-chartered (CEng MICE) or equivalent senior profile.
• Proven site leadership across heavy earthworks and foundations.
• Strong EC7/UK practice application and hand-check proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical delivery on construction sites during the construction phase.
• Review designs and assessments; advise on materials, sequencing, and compaction targets.
• Manage GI, trial pits and in-situ tests to close risks with clear documentation.

Skills

Site leadership

EC7 knowledge

Communication

Education

Chartered or near-chartered (CEng/MICE)

Tools

PLAXIS

LimitState

Wallap

Slope/W

Job description

Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Site-Based, Contract)

Location: UK (predominantly site-based; some office/remote as required)
Type: Contract, 6–12 months (with potential extension)
Reports to: Director / Principal Geotechnical Engineer

About the role
We’re seeking a hands‑on Senior Geotechnical Engineer to embed on construction sites and lead geotechnical delivery during the construction phase. You’ll pair solid EC7 fundamentals with practical, contractor‑facing decision‑making—driving buildability, safety and quality while mentoring juniors and representing client interests day‑to‑day.

What you’ll do (site-led)

• Construction phase support: Front‑line geotechnical lead for earthworks, foundations, slopes and retaining structures; respond to RFIs, change and site queries.
• Working platforms & access: Review designs/assessments and compliance (e.g., BR470 principles), advise on thickness, materials and sequencing; audit WPCs.
• Earthworks & materials: Set/interpret compaction targets, review ITPs and QA data (e.g., NDG, plate load/CBR), advise on materials reuse and moisture control.
• Temporary/permanent works interfaces: Coordinate with TWC/TWS, designers and structural teams; check stability/settlement where design changes arise.
• GI & verification: Scope/manage targeted GI, trial pits and in‑situ tests to close risks; derive/update parameters with transparent assumptions.
• I&M / observational method: Define/track trigger levels (e.g., VWP, inclinometers, settlement plates) and recommend actions from monitored performance.
• Risk & assurance: Maintain geotechnical risk register; produce concise site notes, NCR responses, design statements and handover records.
• Stakeholder engagement: Daily liaison with the Principal Contractor, client and labs; lead toolbox/briefings for geotechnical controls; mentor grads/engineers.

What you’ll bring

• Chartered (CEng MICE or equivalent) or strong near-chartered senior profile (7–12+ years).
• Proven site leadership across heavy earthworks/foundations with clear EC7/UK practice application.
• Proficiency with hand checks and common tools (PLAXIS/LimitState/Wallap/Slope/W, robust spreadsheets).
• Strong communicator who can explain ground behaviour plainly and make timely, defensible calls.
• Tickets: CSCS (required); full UK driving licence; SMSTS/PTS desirable (not essential).
• Working platform/earthworks review notes and close‑out actions.
• Targeted calcs (stability/settlement/bearing) supporting construction changes.
• QA/ITP reviews, materials and compaction summaries, non‑conformance responses.
• I&M dashboards/summary memos with trigger–action recommendations.
• Weekly client updates and concise risk/issue logs.

Contract & logistics

• Duration: 6–12 months (extension possible).
• Pattern: Predominantly site‑based (4–5 days/week); occasional nights/weekends if works demand.
• Commercials: Competitive day rate; IR35 status subject to determination for each assignment.
• Travel: UK-wide with expenses per policy; PPE provided/approved.

NDA & professionalism

You’ll operate within strict client confidentiality. All outputs must be NDA‑compliant, self‑contained, and suitable for independent review/audit.

Keywords / tags (SEO): senior geotechnical engineer, site-based, Eurocode 7, earthworks, working platforms, BR470, foundations, slope stability, retaining walls, QA/ITP, instrumentation & monitoring, temporary works, construction phase, UK, contract 6–12 months, CEng MICE