Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
LMOceans

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead offshore geotechnical investigations and manage complex marine site projects.
  • Company: Join a rapidly growing brand in the offshore survey and drillship sector.
  • Benefits: Career progression, professional development support, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for international travel.
  • Why this job: Make an impact on high-profile offshore projects while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field with offshore experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Our client, an ever-growing brand within the Survey and Drillship space, needs an experienced and commercially competent Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join their rapidly expanding offshore geotechnical survey team, supporting complex marine site investigation projects across the offshore energy, subsea infrastructure and nearshore construction sectors. This is a senior, technical and operational role suited to an individual with strong offshore geotechnical investigation experience, ideally gained within geotechnical survey contractors, offshore drilling contractors, marine site investigation companies or integrated survey organisations. We mention this to highlight and stress that this is not a Design-led Consultancy role.

The successful profile will play a key role in the planning, delivery and technical oversight of offshore geotechnical campaigns, including drillship and jack-up operations, in situ testing programmes and seabed sampling works. Unlike traditional consultancy design roles, this position is focused on operational geotechnics, field investigation leadership and client-facing project delivery.

Scope

Reporting to the Geotechnical Operations Manager, you will provide technical leadership across offshore geotechnical investigations from tender stage through to project execution and reporting. You will work closely with offshore crews, survey personnel, drilling teams and project managers to ensure safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of geotechnical acquisition programmes.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Leading the technical planning and execution of offshore geotechnical site investigations
  • Providing geotechnical oversight for drillship, jack-up and vessel-based operations
  • Managing offshore sampling and in situ testing programmes, including CPT, vibrocore, piston core and rotary drilling operations
  • Reviewing and interpreting offshore geotechnical data in real time
  • Acting as the senior technical interface with clients, vessel teams and subcontractors
  • Supporting tendering activities, methodology development and operational risk assessments
  • Mentoring junior geotechnical engineers and offshore personnel
  • Ensuring compliance with relevant offshore, marine and HSEQ standards
  • Contributing to factual reporting and preliminary geotechnical interpretation
  • Supporting mobilisation, equipment selection and offshore readiness reviews

Applicants should possess:

  • Degree qualification in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline
  • Significant experience within offshore geotechnical site investigation or marine ground investigation environments
  • Strong understanding of offshore drilling, sampling and in situ testing techniques
  • Previous experience supporting or supervising offshore geotechnical operations aboard drillships or jack-up platforms
  • Knowledge of offshore survey and positioning systems would be advantageous
  • Experience working within offshore energy sectors such as offshore wind, oil & gas, interconnectors or subsea cables
  • Excellent technical reporting and client communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively under operational pressures
  • Willingness to travel internationally and undertake offshore assignments where required

Highly desirable (not essential):

  • Chartered status or working towards Chartership
  • Experience with integrated geophysical and geotechnical survey projects
  • Familiarity with data acquisition and offshore reporting software

What Our Client Will Offer:

  • Opportunity to work on high-profile offshore investigation projects globally
  • A technically strong and collaborative operational environment
  • Career progression within a growing marine geotechnical business
  • Support towards professional development and Chartership
  • Flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible
  • One-of-one unique company ownership model

Sound like you? Get in touch today.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer employer: LMOceans

At LMOceans, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters technical excellence and innovation in offshore geotechnical engineering. Our employees benefit from unique career progression opportunities within a rapidly expanding marine geotechnical business, alongside flexible working arrangements and support for professional development, including pathways to Chartership. Join us to work on high-profile projects globally while being part of a team that values your expertise and contributions.

LMOceans

Contact Details:

LMOceans Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the offshore geotechnical field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their recent projects in offshore geotechnics. We recommend practising common interview questions and even some technical scenarios related to drillship operations. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper, but also in person!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or during interviews, highlight your hands-on experience with offshore sampling and in situ testing. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our growing team in the offshore geotechnical space. Don’t miss out on your dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineering
Offshore Geotechnical Investigation
Marine Site Investigation
Drillship Operations
In Situ Testing Techniques
Data Interpretation
Client Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your offshore geotechnical experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and responsibilities you've handled.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Geotechnical Engineer role. Share your passion for offshore operations and how your background makes you a strong candidate.

Showcase Technical Skills:Since this role is all about technical leadership, make sure to highlight your expertise in offshore drilling, sampling techniques, and data interpretation. We want to know how you can contribute to our geotechnical campaigns!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at LMOceans

Know Your Geotechnical Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your offshore geotechnical investigation knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific techniques like CPT, vibrocore, and rotary drilling operations. Showing that you understand the technical aspects will impress the interviewers.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading teams and mentoring junior engineers, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed projects or guided others in the past. Highlight your experience in operational settings and how you’ve ensured high-quality delivery.

Understand the Client's Needs

Research the company and their recent projects. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing success and address their specific challenges in offshore geotechnical investigations. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company's mission.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face some tough technical questions during the interview. Brush up on your knowledge of offshore survey and positioning systems, as well as HSEQ standards. Being able to answer these confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.