Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Principal Geotechnical Engineer – WSP UK & Ireland

Join WSP, a leading engineering and professional services firm, to work on landmark projects across the UK and Ireland. We are looking for Principal Grade Geotechnical Engineers or Engineering Geologists to join our team on either full‑time or part‑time basis.

Responsibilities

• Development of professional and technically competent reports and liaison with specialists and clients across a wide range of sectors, using efficient working practices to provide industry leading, best value services.
• Effectively manage and deliver project work with robust project financial management.
• Assist in management of team resources and allocation of appropriate project resources.
• Manage, motivate, mentor and develop professional staff.
• Provide support in all aspects of project delivery including client liaison, contractors and sub‑consultants, public and statutory body consultation, quality control and management of specialists.

Qualifications & Experience

• Technical expertise in geotechnical engineering or engineering geology with a demonstrable understanding of the underlying principles.
• Consultancy experience with demonstrably good commercial awareness and relationships with clients & contractors.
• Chartered professional qualification and significant post‑qualification experience.
• Experience in delivery of geotechnical, engineering geology and other ground engineering projects, including preparation of high‑technical reports.
• Understanding of client requirements and ability to influence contract specifications.
• Experience leading delivery teams that effectively deliver short to medium‑term projects from inception to construction.
• Excellent report‑writing and client liaison skills.
• Proven experience of undertaking and managing desk studies; designing, procuring & supervising Ground Investigations; checking Ground Investigation Reports & Geotechnical Design Reports in accordance with Eurocode 7: Part 1.
• Working knowledge of Eurocode 7 and UK annex design codes, ground investigation and construction contracts and specifications.
• Familiarity and ability to interrogate a wide range of geotechnical software for the design of civil engineering projects including deep and shallow foundations (including pile group analysis), embedded and gravity retaining walls, earthworks/slope stability and reinforced earthworks.
• Skills to check and critically evaluate the work done by others and have a proven track record of doing so.

Benefits & Working Environment

• Hybrid working – work from home two days a week and collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
• Flexibility through WSP My Hour, part‑time & flexible working arrangements, optional additional leave and use of bank holiday entitlement.
• Health & wellbeing support via Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.
• Development opportunities through training, mentoring and chartership support.

About WSP

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms with more than 72,800 employees. We are dedicated to creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity and inclusion.

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.