Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Stantec; Nelson; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Additional leave (up to 4 weeks)

Learning and development programs

Mentoring for your development

Professional memberships

Health insurance – income continuance,

Life insurance

Service recognition awards

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Stantec in Nelson, New Zealand, invites applications for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical projects across transport, water and infrastructure. You will plan field investigations, supervise data collection and deliver robust design solutions, while mentoring junior staff and coordinating with clients and local authorities across New Zealand and potentially Asia Pacific.

The role requires Chartered Geotechnical Engineer status, a degree in Geotechnical Engineering, and ~10

Qualifications

• Degree qualified Geotechnical engineer with Chartered status.
• 10+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Experience in NZ, Australia or Asia Pacific is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise ground investigations for preliminary designs.
• Review geotechnical assessments and deliver design analyses.
• Design retaining walls, foundations, slope stabilization, ground improvements or pile systems.
• Produce technical reports and assist with project solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and share expertise.

Job description

Principal Geotechnical Engineer - ( 260000NA )

Description

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure.

We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.

Stantec’s Transport team in New Zealand is proud to deliver accessible and reliable transport options that get people and freight from A to B. Our 220-strong team is proud to work with local authorities and councils on efforts spanning state highways, rail, road safety, disaster preparedness, and asset management. We’re focused on futureproofing our infrastructure and creating smarter transport choices for our clients and communities.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join Stantec in Nelson. We have a team of geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists where you will be supported by our Geotechnical leadership to deliver great project outcomes. You’ll be involved in a range of engineering projects from transportation infrastructure including remediation as well as water and wastewater infrastructure throughout New Zealand and potentially Asia Pacific.

A typical week could see you planning and supervising ground investigations for preliminary designs, reviewing geotechnical assessments, designing retaining walls, foundations, slope stabilisation measures, ground improvements or pile design, delivering detailed technical engineering reports and managing the construction of these structures. You'll provide advice to clients and provide input to successful project solutions.

Day to day tasks would involve:

• Determining internal and external client requirements
• Managing or leading field data acquisition, site investigations and testing
• Producing calculations, reporting, specifications and drawings to ensure that geotechnical designs provide appropriate solutions
• Providing quality check and review experience to an appropriate technical standard
• Providing specific geotechnical expertise to meet project needs
• Planning and delivering geotechnical project inputs to the agreed outputs on budget, on time and to agreed quality standards
• Help develop and mentor junior staff by sharing knowledge and experience

What we offer

Along with a competitive salary we offer many other benefits to ensure your professional development & wellbeing is ongoing.

• Flexible Working Arrangements including purchasing up to 4 weeks additional leave and provision for school term contracts.
• Learning and Talent Development Programs including global programmes, online learning and on-the-job learning
• Mentoring for your own development
• Professional Memberships
• Health Insurance – Income Continuance Insurance (ICI) – Life Insurance
• Service Recognition Awards
• Employee Assistance Program

About us

The Stantec community unites approximately 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. We collaborate across disciplines and industries to bring water, transport and infrastructure projects to life. Our work from initial project concept and planning through design, construction and commissioning is built on a nearly 200-year history. So, when we take on a project, we see the opportunity to make a lasting connection with the people and places where we live and work.

Applications close Monday 19 October 2026

Qualifications

To be successful for this role you'll need:

To be a degree qualified Geotechnical engineer with 10 years’ experience and obtained Chartered. Your experience can come from engineering consulting and contracting industries or client side. Previous experience in New Zealand, Australia or Asia Pacific would be an advantage. You'll have a strong background in design, ideally in transportation as well as the water sectors and be experienced with industry standard design software.

Primary Location : New Zealand-Nelson-Nelson

Organization : BC-3102 Transpt-NZ New Zealand

Employee Status : Regular

Job Level : Individual Contributor

Travel : No

Schedule : Full-time

Job Posting : Oct 11, 2026, 7:28:31 PM

Req ID : 260000NA

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, 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 local, state and federal laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans