Lead Principal Engineer - Civil and Geotechnical

Lead Principal Engineer - Civil and Geotechnical

Full-Time 78400 - 117600 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
SSE

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate in Civil and Geotechnical engineering for major offshore projects.
  • Company: Join SSE, a forward-thinking energy company committed to a net zero future.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family-friendly policies.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while making a real impact on sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status preferred with strong leadership and technical skills.

The predicted salary is between 78400 - 117600 £ per year.

Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness and you'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in the office.

Salary: £78,400 - £117,600 + car / car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time (Part Time options available) | Flexible First options available.

The role: This is an opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future of Civil and Geotechnical engineering across some of the UK’s most complex and ambitious transmission projects. As we deliver a programme valued at c.£30bn over the T3 period and accelerate towards Net Zero, we're looking for a credible, collaborative and technically authoritative leader to join our Offshore Project Engineering team. As Lead Principal Engineer – Civil and Geotechnical engineering, you'll oversee the design development, coordination and implementation of our civil engineering solutions and geotechnical investigations across a multi-project offshore portfolio. You’ll provide technical leadership, mentor specialist Civil and Geotechnical engineers, ensure engineering consistency and safety, and drive innovation and design improvement across the entire offshore programme.

You will act as a critical point of escalation for Civil and Engineering and onshore and offshore Geotechnical Investigation related design issues (so far as they pertain to the offshore project portfolio), ensuring solutions meet SSEN Transmission standards, statutory requirements (including CDM and ESQCR) and operational needs. You collaborate closely with colleagues from across our business, partner organisations and supply chain, contributing to the development of fit for purpose standards and sharing knowledge and experience to advance and optimise the available solutions, whilst raising the profile of SSE Offshore Delivery projects and achievements.

You Will:

  • Provide technical leadership and accountability for all Civil and Geotechnical engineering initiatives in the offshore directorate, ensuring solutions meet business, regulatory, and safety requirements.
  • Guide and nurture a team of specialist engineers, fostering a supportive and inclusive culture and encouraging career growth.
  • Oversee and coordinate resolution of technical issues, applying collaborative problem-solving and thoughtful thinking across projects and workstreams.
  • Promote health, safety, and environmental excellence, ensuring compliance with CDM, ESQCR, and SSEN standards.
  • Drive Innovation by encouraging creativity and continuous improvement, implementing enhancements and engaging with industry forums to shape best practice.
  • Actively engage with Technology providers to develop a thorough understanding of technical developments, new solutions and emerging providers, feeding into technology strategies for our future project pipeline.

You Have:

  • A proven track record of bringing out the best in people and delivering complex Onshore & Offshore engineering projects.
  • A degree in an appropriate engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) preferred.
  • Deep technical knowledge of Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Investigation and Assessments, relevant legislation (including CDM & ESQCR), and industry standards.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and simplify complex ideas.
  • Strong problem-solving ability, collaborative decision-making skills, and a passion for supporting the growth of others.

About SSE: SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future.

Flexible benefits to fit your life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Lead Principal Engineer - Civil and Geotechnical employer: SSE

SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide flexible working options, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to ambitious projects that drive the transition to a net zero future. Our inclusive culture ensures that every team member can flourish, making SSE a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in Civil and Geotechnical engineering.

SSE

Contact Details:

SSE Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Principal Engineer - Civil and Geotechnical

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil and geotechnical engineering field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in civil and geotechnical engineering. This will not only impress potential employers but also give you a chance to discuss your work during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Don’t miss out on your chance to join our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Principal Engineer - Civil and Geotechnical

Technical Leadership
Civil Engineering
Geotechnical Investigation
Project Coordination
Stakeholder Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Regulatory Compliance (CDM, ESQCR)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Lead Principal Engineer role. Highlight your technical leadership and project management experience, especially in Civil and Geotechnical engineering.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and supported team growth in previous positions.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, emphasise your collaborative decision-making abilities. We want to see how you've tackled complex engineering challenges and led teams to successful outcomes.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at SSE

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your Civil and Geotechnical engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that align with the role's focus on offshore engineering. This will show your technical authority and credibility.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and foster a collaborative environment. This is crucial for a role that requires guiding specialist engineers and promoting a supportive culture.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Familiarise yourself with SSE's commitment to net zero and their ambitious projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience and values align with their goals, particularly in driving innovation and ensuring safety standards.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare insightful questions about the company's future projects, technology strategies, and how they engage with industry forums. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.