Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist

Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist

Salary: £47,000 – £55,000 per annum

Package: Performance-related bonus scheme, 26 days + bank holidays, increasing up to 31 days + bank holidays, Flexibility to buy or sell annual leave, Hybrid Working, Pension up to 10%

Location: Bristol or Exeter | Hybrid

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time (37 hours per week)

Shape the Groundwork of Tomorrow’s Infrastructure

Are you an experienced ground engineering specialist looking to lead high-impact schemes, solve complex geotechnical challenges, and influence asset management across key regional infrastructure?

We are seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist to join our South West Operations team. Working alongside the Geotechnical Engineering Team Manager, you will serve as a key technical authority—leading, inspiring, and guiding a skilled team of engineers to tackle complex ground conditions and ensure safe, resilient, and future-proof assets.

What You’ll Do As The Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist

• Drive Innovation & Solutions: Provide technical direction to identify risks and design early-stage solutions for major renewal and improvement projects, leveraging cutting-edge techniques, sustainable materials, and cost-effective designs.
• Strategic Asset Management: Develop asset-specific management plans and prioritize network needs in alignment with core industry standards (e.g., DMRB CS641 & CD622) and business goals.
• Oversee Technical Delivery: Commission and lead key survey works, reviewing and signing off on technical briefs, specifications, design drawings, and reports.
• Champion Data & Best Practice: Lead the charge on high-quality asset data management, promoting regional best practices, degradation modelling, and digital innovation.
• Lead & Mentor: Support team development, manage scheme budgets, and drive continuous improvement across the sector.

What A Great Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist Has

• Qualifications: A degree or Master’s in a relevant engineering discipline (or HNC/HND/equivalent extensive field experience).
• Professional Credentials: Chartered or Incorporated status with CGeol, CEng (Geological Society, ICE, or equivalent), or demonstrable experience operating at this level.
• Technical Expertise: Proven background in ground engineering, infrastructure asset management, condition assessments, and governance standards.
• Leadership & Commercial Acumen: Strong experience developing scheme budgets, making data-driven decisions, and guiding multidisciplinary teams.
• Driving Requirement: A valid, full UK driving licence (with no more than 3 penalty points).

Why Join Us?

We offer an exceptional work-life balance alongside a reward package designed to support your personal, professional, and financial wellbeing:

Work-Life Balance & Time Off

• Generous Annual Leave: Starts at 26 days + bank holidays, increasing annually up to 31 days + bank holidays.
• Holiday Trading: Flexibility to buy or sell annual leave to suit your lifestyle.
• Flexible & Hybrid Working: True flexibility with a mix of office, site, and home working.

Financial Security & Perks

• Top-Tier Pension: High-quality contributory scheme with employer contributions up to 10%.
• Life Assurance: Cover equal to 4x your annual salary.
• Bonus & Recognition: Access to an annual performance-related bonus scheme and peer recognition programs.
• Discounts Platform: Exclusive access to 3,000+ retail, dining, supermarket, and leisure savings.
• Travel Loans: Interest‑free season ticket and travel loans.

Health, Family & Sustainability

• Comprehensive Care: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health, free annual flu jabs, and dedicated mental health first aiders.
• Family-First Policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity (15 days), shared parental, and adoption leave, plus contributions toward school holiday play schemes.
• Green Schemes: Electric/hybrid car leasing scheme, cycle-to-work initiative (including provisions for disabled cyclists), and 3 paid volunteering days per year.

Ready to Lead the Way?

If you're an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist and ready to bring your technical authority to a forward-thinking environment where your expertise directly shapes national infrastructure, we want to hear from you.