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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting geotechnical projects and manage design teams across various sectors.
- Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a top global consultancy focused on social impact and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowances.
- Why this job: Make a difference in communities while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Masters in civil engineering with geotechnics focus and chartered status required.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and professional development in a diverse team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re a global engineering, management, and development consultancy.
Overview of Role
As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer you will be a key member of our growing Ground Engineering team within the Buildings Unit. You will deliver geotechnical projects across the UK, Ireland and occasionally overseas, working with a talented team of ground engineers and a range of public and private sector clients.
Your Responsibilities
- Design of building foundations and basements
- Manage and deliver Ground Investigations (scope, specifications, supervision, GIRs, etc.)
- Design retaining wall systems
- Travel to project sites when necessary for delivery and client meetings
- Lead and coordinate geotechnical design teams on multi‑disciplinary projects
Candidate Specification
Essential Criteria
- Masters in civil engineering with emphasis on geotechnics
- Chartered Engineer with the ICE or equivalent
- Experience designing geotechnical and foundation solutions using current standards and Eurocodes
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with clients and build professional relationships
- Experience managing small to medium geotechnical project teams and a track record of successful project delivery
- Ability to prioritise client needs and deliver high‑quality design that meets those needs
Desirable Criteria
- Relationship builder who can work both autonomously and as part of a team
- Ability to direct and deliver multiple concurrent projects or one large project on time and within budget
- Experience delivering Ground Investigations and GIRs
- Experience guiding and nurturing engineers in their technical development
- Prepared to travel as needed for project delivery within the UK and Ireland
UK Immigration
Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. We welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes that do not require sponsorship.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Accessibility
If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com.
Agile Working
We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace.
Benefits
Health and Wellbeing
- Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues
- Health cash plan for everyday health costs and treatments
- Access to Peppy for menopause support (UK only)
- Access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme for you and your family
- Flexibility to adjust your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family
Financial Wellbeing
- Employee pension contributions matched between 4.5% and 7%
- Life assurance up to 4× your basic salary, with an option to increase to 6×
- Income protection scheme providing financial benefit and support for long‑term illness or injury
- Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing
- Annual bonus schemes reflecting the shared success of the business
Lifestyle
- Minimum 33‑35 days holiday each year (inclusive of public holidays), with the ability to buy or sell leave through a flexible benefits programme
- Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years of service
- Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high‑street retailers
Enhanced Family and Carers Leave
- 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave; 2 weeks paid paternity/partner leave
- Shared parental leave matches maternity leave (up to 24 weeks at full pay)
- Up to five additional days leave for significant caring responsibilities, of which two are paid
Learning and Development
- Primary annual professional institution subscription
- Broad range of opportunities to enhance technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self‑development options
Networks, Communities, and Social Outcomes
- Wide range of company employee networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities
- Opportunities to make a difference within communities through our social outcomes initiatives
Location
Glasgow, Norwich, Edinburgh (UK)
Contract
Permanent, Full Time
Recruiter Contact
Andrea Gaffney
Market
Buildings
Discipline
Geotechnical and tunnelling
Job Ref
7647
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Principal Geotechnical Engineer employer: Mott MacDonald
Contact Detail:
Mott MacDonald Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Geotechnical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the geotechnical field, especially those who have experience with Mott MacDonald. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet current employees and learn more about the company culture and projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest Eurocodes and geotechnical design standards. Being well-versed in these will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that align with the responsibilities of the Principal Geotechnical Engineer role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and delivering successful outcomes, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Mott MacDonald's recent projects and initiatives, particularly in the Buildings Unit. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Geotechnical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in geotechnical engineering. Focus on your qualifications, such as your Master's degree and chartered status, and detail specific projects you've worked on that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for geotechnical engineering and your alignment with Mott MacDonald's values. Mention your experience in managing project teams and your ability to deliver high-quality designs.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong interpersonal skills and your ability to build relationships with clients. Include examples of how you've successfully managed small to medium geotechnical projects.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: If you have experience guiding and nurturing engineers, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss how you've contributed to team development and project success in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your knowledge of geotechnical design and Eurocodes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these standards and how they contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in managing small to medium geotechnical project teams. Share examples of how you've guided team members and ensured project delivery on time and within budget, showcasing your ability to lead effectively.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Management
Mott MacDonald values strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built and maintained professional relationships with clients, focusing on your approach to understanding their needs and delivering high-quality designs.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think of examples where you've had to manage risks or implement sustainability measures in your projects, and be ready to explain your thought process.
