At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative geotechnical projects and solve complex engineering challenges.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm focused on shaping the future of infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and a top-tier pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national infrastructure while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and professional credentials required.
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.
Apply to the Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist, I will then call, email or SMS you to discuss the next stage of your application.
Dom @ Utilise Recruitment .co .uk
Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist employer: Utilise Recruitment
As an HSE Advisor at our NW London HQ, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and environmental responsibility. We offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, all within a supportive work environment that values employee well-being and growth. Our commitment to innovation and excellence makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in health and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist role you’re after at Utilise Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Utilise Recruitment a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Utilise Recruitment.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist at Utilise Recruitment, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Utilise Recruitment a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Utilise Recruitment specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Utilise Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Utilise Recruitment, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Utilise Recruitment want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.