Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead geotechnical engineering projects and mentor rising engineers in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Stantec, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Agile working model, commitment to sustainability, and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Shape critical infrastructure while making a positive impact on communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer or Geologist with extensive UK consultancy experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Opportunity: As we move through 2026, Stantec’s Environmental Services Team is redefining the intersection of engineering and ecology. We are seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing regional hubs in Warrington, Leeds, and Newcastle. Whether you are based in any of those locations, you will act as a strategic leader, providing technical excellence and shaping the way we manage ground risk across some of the UK’s most critical infrastructure programmes.
This is a pivotal moment to join our leadership team. With the AMP8 investment cycle at its peak, you will provide strategic oversight for our work with major clients across the country, including United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water. As a Principal, you will be the key interface between our multidisciplinary design teams and our clients, ensuring that geotechnical innovation—including nature-based solutions and digital twin integration—is embedded at the start of every project lifecycle. You will be responsible for technical quality, project commerciality, and the mentoring of our rising engineers.
At Stantec, we offer a truly agile working model that prioritises your work‑life blend, set within a culture globally recognised for its commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth.
Role: The key focus of this position is to provide high‑level technical direction and specialist input across a diverse regional portfolio. Your role will involve:
- Strategic Advisory: managing complex geotechnical risks for high‑profile infrastructure projects from feasibility through to construction.
- Technical Governance: overseeing the preparation and approval of interpretative geotechnical reports and the design/analysis of sophisticated geotechnical structures.
- Team & Talent Development: mentoring Senior and Graduate engineers across our hubs, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovative thinking.
- Business Development: supporting our strategic growth by identifying new opportunities and building lasting relationships with key stakeholders and joint venture partners in the Northern markets.
About You: You are an industry‑recognised professional with a deep passion for geotechnical engineering and a desire to challenge the status quo. You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, or a related discipline and are a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Geologist (CGeol) with a relevant institution such as the ICE or the Geological Society. With extensive experience in the UK consultancy environment, you possess a masterly understanding of ground investigation design, data acquisition, and complex interpretative reporting. Most importantly, you are a collaborative leader who can translate intricate technical challenges into clear, actionable strategies for our clients. You thrive on delivering quality solutions that not only meet engineering requirements but also provide lasting environmental and community benefits in 2026 and beyond.
About Stantec: The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We tackle today’s challenges, while also focusing on a fairer, better tomorrow, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, 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 laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success.
If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact hr@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Water Sector in Leeds employer: Stantec
Contact Detail:
Stantec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Water Sector in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in the water sector and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your previous projects or case studies that highlight your geotechnical engineering skills. This tangible evidence of your work can really impress potential employers and demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Stantec and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Water Sector in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Principal Geotechnical Engineer role. Highlight your technical expertise in geotechnical engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex infrastructure.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for geotechnical engineering and how you can contribute to Stantec's mission. Mention your leadership experience and how you plan to mentor rising engineers within the team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've managed geotechnical risks or improved project outcomes in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made in your career.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in joining the Stantec community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec
✨Know Your Geotechnical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your geotechnical engineering knowledge, especially around ground risk management and innovative solutions. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you tackled complex challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've developed talent in your previous roles and how you foster a culture of technical excellence within your teams.
✨Understand Stantec's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Stantec’s commitment to sustainability and community benefits. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission in the water sector.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about business development and stakeholder engagement. Think about how you've identified new opportunities in the past and be ready to share your strategies for building lasting relationships with clients and partners.