Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Job Description

Principal Geotechnical Engineer – London, UK

GHD | Shaping the world with smart, sustainable engineering

Are you an experienced geotechnical professional looking to lead complex projects and influence the future of infrastructure delivery? GHD is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing UK team in London.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in delivering technically challenging projects across the water, transportation, energy, property, and environmental sectors while helping to grow our geotechnical capability across the UK. You'll work with multidisciplinary teams, provide expert technical leadership, and build trusted relationships with clients to deliver innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

The Role

As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and project direction across a diverse portfolio of geotechnical and ground engineering projects. You will be responsible for ensuring technical excellence, supporting business growth, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Key Responsibilities include:

Technical Leadership

• Lead the planning, management, and delivery of complex geotechnical investigations, assessments, and design projects.
• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for geotechnical analysis, foundation design, earthworks, slopes, retaining structures, and ground improvement solutions.
• Act as a technical reviewer and subject matter expert across multidisciplinary projects.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in geotechnical engineering practices and digital delivery.

Project & Commercial Management

• Lead project teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions safely, on time, and within budget.
• Manage project programmes, resources, risks, and financial performance.
• Support the preparation of proposals, fee estimates, and tender submissions.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business growth initiatives within the geotechnical team.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulatory bodies, contractors, and key stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing technical guidance and innovative solutions to complex geotechnical challenges.
• Represent GHD at client meetings, industry forums, and technical presentations.

Team Development

• Mentor, coach, and develop graduate, engineer, and senior engineer level colleagues.
• Support capability growth through technical leadership, knowledge sharing, and professional development initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that promotes technical excellence and career progression.

What You'll Bring

• Degree qualified in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology, or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status, or close to achieving chartership.
• Significant relevant industry experience, typically 10+ years within a consultancy, contractor, or client environment.
• Strong technical expertise in ground investigation, geotechnical analysis, foundation engineering, earthworks, retaining structures, and geotechnical risk management.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary infrastructure projects from feasibility through detailed design and construction.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets, commercial performance, and client relationships.
• Strong report writing, technical review, and presentation skills.
• A proven track record of mentoring and developing engineering teams.

What Sets You Apart

• You will be a respected technical leader who brings:
• A passion for delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to influence, inspire, and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• A collaborative approach with a commitment to developing others.
• A drive for innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing.

Why GHD?

At GHD, we don't just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

As part of our global network of professionals, you'll have the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects while collaborating with industry-leading specialists across the world.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Professional development, chartership support, and leadership training.
• Opportunities to work on major national and international projects.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and diverse workplace culture.
• Clear career progression pathways within a growing global business.

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