Senior or Principal Engineering Geologist

Tetra Tech Europe; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech Europe in Belfast seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead ground investigations, model development, and reporting across Northern Ireland with flexible hybrid working. You will shape project outcomes, drive regional growth, and mentor junior staff while ensuring health, safety and environmental standards are met.

Ideally you hold MSc in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical or Civil Engineering, with Chartered status or progression toward it.

Qualifications

• This degree-focused requirement highlights strong technical background.
• Chartered status (or working towards) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead ground investigations from desk study to reporting.
• Develop Conceptual Site Models and Phase 1 & 2 assessments.
• Provide geotechnical analysis, design recommendations and reporting.
• Advise on foundations, earthworks, slope stability and ground improvement.
• Ensure compliance with BS5930, Eurocode 7 and relevant standards.
• Prepare proposals, manage budgets and deliver profitable projects.
• Oversee subcontractors and laboratory services.
• Maintain financial control and programme delivery.
• Champion health, safety and environmental management.
• Build client relationships across Northern Ireland.
• Support frameworks, tenders and regional growth initiatives.
• Represent the business at client and industry engagements.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technical excellence.
• Lead client accounts and regional growth strategy.
• Drive financial performance and forecasting.

Education

MSc in Engineering Geology / Geotechnical / Civil Engineering

Job description

Join a growing Geo-Environmental team of around 100 specialists across the UK and Ireland, delivering expertise in ground investigation, land quality & remediation, and groundwater & geothermal services. This role supports continued expansion in Northern Ireland, focusing on technically robust delivery and sustainable growth across sectors including Energy, Water, Defence, Nuclear and Property. You will contribute to strengthening regional capability, enhancing client relationships and delivering high-quality, commercially successful projects, primarily in Northern Ireland with collaboration opportunities across the wider business.

Your Impact in this Position

You will play a central role in shaping project outcomes from early-stage assessment through to detailed geotechnical design and reporting. Your work will directly influence safe, sustainable development by managing ground risk and delivering practical engineering solutions. At Principal level, you will also drive regional growth, lead client relationships and contribute to strategic direction, helping expand both capability and market presence.

Technical Delivery

• Lead and interpret ground investigations from desk study to reporting
• Develop Conceptual Site Models and deliver Phase 1 & 2 assessments
• Provide geotechnical analysis, design recommendations and reporting (GIR/GDR)
• Advise on foundations, earthworks, slope stability and ground improvement
• Ensure compliance with BS5930, Eurocode 7 and relevant standards

Project & Commercial Management

• Prepare proposals, manage budgets and deliver profitable projects
• Oversee subcontractors and laboratory services
• Maintain strong financial control and programme delivery
• Champion high standards of health, safety and environmental management

Business Development & Growth

• Build and maintain strong client relationships across Northern Ireland
• Identify and secure opportunities across key sectors
• Support frameworks, tenders and regional growth initiatives
• Represent the business at client and industry engagements
• Support and mentor junior team members
• Contribute to technical excellence and quality assurance
• At Principal level, provide line management and support Chartership development
• Help shape and grow the regional team

Strategic & Regional Leadership (Principal level)

• Lead client accounts and regional growth strategy
• Drive financial performance and forecasting
• Contribute to pricing strategy and workload planning
• Support cross-disciplinary collaboration and service expansion

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Degree (ideally MSc) in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical or Civil Engineering, with strong experience in ground investigation and geotechnical interpretation. You will bring excellent technical judgement, report writing and client-facing skills, alongside a solid understanding of health, safety and environmental practice. Chartered status (or working towards) is beneficial. For Principal level, experience in winning work, leading projects and managing financial performance is expected.

This role is based in Belfast, with projects primarily across Northern Ireland and opportunities to collaborate across Ireland and Great Britain. Flexible and hybrid working options are available, including part-time and job share arrangements. Expect a balanced mix of office, site and remote working, with regular in-office collaboration to support team development and project delivery.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.