Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Exeter

Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 47250 - 57750 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead geotechnical projects, manage teams, and ensure high-quality delivery.
  • Company: Vulcain Engineering, a global leader in sustainable engineering solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for mentorship and growth in a thriving SME.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of infrastructure with impactful projects.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering; experience leading projects.

The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.

Vulcain Engineering, a player in engineering and consulting, supports global industrial leaders in their transition to a more responsible and sustainable future.

We support our customers in the design, construction, commissioning and operation of their complex infrastructures that will shape the world of tomorrow.

With operations in 17 countries and employing over 6,000 staff worldwide, our business responds to the needs of our clients by delivering expertise in the form of high added value engineering services.

In the UK, we have a key focus the Nuclear sector, contributing to ground breaking projects, such as Hinkley Point C (HPC).

This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group.

As part of the Vulcain family, Crouch Waterfall brings decades of specialist experience in Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineering to a wide range of UK infrastructure projects.

Crouch Waterfall specialise in core areas of Bridges, Rail, Infrastructure, Buildings and Geotechnical Services, designing and coordinating projects from conception to completion.

Established since 1981, the business has enjoyed steady growth driven by a committed and highly skilled workforce of 120 employees.

The Position: Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer

We’re growing our geotechnical team in Bristol & Exeter and are looking for a practical, flexible Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer to play a key role in our continued expansion.

This is an opportunity to join a busy, supportive office delivering a diverse range of projects across domestic and commercial structures, rail, bridges and temporary works, spanning both public and private sectors.

You’ll take ownership of selected projects, work closely with engineers and technicians, and be supported by senior leadership, with real scope to develop your career while contributing directly to the wider growth of the business.

We are ideally looking for an experienced Principal Engineer, but we also encourage applications from experienced Engineers who are ready to progress to Principal level, with structured support and mentorship provided.

  • Some of the main responsibilities of the Principal Geotechnical Engineer will include:
  • Take technical and delivery ownership of geotechnical projects, leading and approving designs for temporary and permanent works, with a strong focus on reviewing and checking the work of others.
  • Lead project delivery across your remit, managing priorities, outputs, programmes and quality standards.
  • Oversee and coordinate engineers and technicians within the team, providing technical direction and guidance.
  • Manage project delivery activities including programmes, resourcing, forecasting and invoicing input.
  • Prepare and review technical reports, feasibility and option studies, and associated project documentation.
  • Undertake site inspections and geotechnical surveys where required.
  • Act as a key client contact and support relationship development and business development activity.
  • Collaborate with other offices and disciplines, mentor junior staff, and contribute to team and wider business growth.

You’ll be joining a dynamic SME with a strong and growing project portfolio across multiple sectors and structure types.

The role offers real scope to shape your influence, grow capability around you, and take on broader leadership responsibility.

This is a great opportunity for someone from a larger organisation who wants greater visibility, impact, and progression.

  • Preferred Profile
  • Degree qualified (BSc, BEng or MEng) in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or a closely related discipline.
  • Extensive relevant experience in geotechnical engineering alongside demonstrable experience leading technical scopes, project packages or small teams.
  • Chartered status (or near-chartered) with a recognised professional body (e. g. CEng or CGeol).
  • Experience working on UK projects and familiarity with UK standards and practice.
  • Strong technical reporting skills and a high standard of written and spoken English.
  • Independent right to live and work in the UK.
  • Rail sector experience, geotechnical inspections/surveys, and familiarity with engineering. software (e. g. GEO-5, FEM tools, CAD) beneficial but not essential.
  • Full UK driving licence useful but not essential.
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Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Exeter employer: Vulcain Engineering Group

Vulcain Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and innovation in the engineering sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration on groundbreaking projects like Hinkley Point C. Join us in a supportive environment where your expertise in risk management will contribute to shaping a sustainable future in the UK’s nuclear sector.

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Contact Details:

Vulcain Engineering Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Exeter

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 & Senior Geotechnical Engineer role you’re after at Vulcain Engineering Group.

Show Off Your Projects!

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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 Vulcain Engineering Group.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Vulcain Engineering Group, 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 & Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Exeter

Geotechnical Engineering
Project Management
Technical Reporting
Team Leadership
Client Relationship Management
Site Inspections
Geotechnical Surveys

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer, 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 Vulcain Engineering Group 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 Vulcain Engineering Group 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 Vulcain Engineering Group

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Vulcain Engineering Group, 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 Vulcain Engineering Group 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.