Principal Engineering Geologist in Manchester

At AECOM, we are delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

We are seeking a dynamic Principal Engineering Geologist who brings deep technical expertise and an innovative mindset. Whether you come from a traditional engineering geology background or have unconventional experience that adds fresh value, we’d love to hear from you.

What can we offer? We work for leading UK&I and international clients and have a wide range of commissions of varying scale across all sectors, some typical examples of current and past projects include:

• National Grid Upgrade
• Thorpe Park Station
• Melton Mowbray Relief Road
• Network Rail CP7
• Royal Commission of Al Ula

Key sectors:

• Energy
• Rail
• Highways
• Water
• Development
• MOD
• Nuclear

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage geotechnical projects from investigation through to design and construction, ensuring high‑quality deliverables.
• Apply cutting‑edge approaches in ground investigation, geotechnical design, and construction, including slope stability assessment, remediation and ground improvement.
• Provide technical expertise in investigation, reporting, and remediation of historic mine workings; a solid understanding of quaternary geology and rock mechanics is a strong advantage.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and development for junior team members.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering (BSc or MSc) or a related field.
• Chartered status (Geologist or Engineer) preferred.
• Good working knowledge of common ground investigation practices, ground interpretation and soil and rock parameter assessment.
• Experience leading fee bids and proposals for internal and external clients.
• Proven project management experience with a track record of managing projects, client relationships and delivering high‑quality results on time and within budget.
• Strong technical skills in engineering geology, with in‑depth knowledge of ground engineering practices.
• Experience in the production of drawings, risk assessments, specifications and design reports.
• Familiarity with current design codes, standards and best practices in geotechnical design, and willingness to explore new methods and innovations.
• Proven leadership experience in similar roles, with the ability to inspire and lead teams.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK.
• Clean driving licence.

Who You Are:

• You’re technically proficient and passionate about pushing the field forward.
• You thrive on solving complex challenges and enjoy thinking outside the box to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions.
• You value teamwork, mentoring and leadership, and you’re keen to help shape the future of engineering geology.
• You’re familiar with established methodologies but eager to embrace new tools, technologies and ways of thinking.

Benefits:

Enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits that support your future and well‑being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.

If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at ReasonableAdjustments@aecom.com.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential and will help you reach yours. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.