Principal Geotechnical Engineer

About Pell Frischmann

Pell Frischmann is a specialist advisory and technical consultancy operating across the built and natural environment, helping to shape a better future for the communities in which we work. We offer consultancy services, with access to specialist sister companies and partners, to support both public and private-sector clients. We work across sectors encompassing buildings, infrastructure, and regeneration. Originally formed in 1926, we have a unique heritage in delivering client-focused solutions that deliver value through our commercial awareness, sustainable aspirations, and innovative approach. Our distinctive future is defined by our ownership; Pell Frischmann is a part of RSBG SE, the patient capital investment arm of RAG‑Stiftung. RAG‑Stiftung is a foundation with the long-term public purpose to deal with the environmental and social commitments resulting from the closing of Germany’s coal mining industry. RSBG SE’s mission is to generate sustainable funds for the foundation; so, our work directly contributes to the challenge of fighting global pollution and climate change.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing Geotechnical team. This role offers the opportunity to lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects across the infrastructure, transportation, water, energy and development sectors. You will provide technical leadership, manage project delivery, support business development activities and mentor junior team members. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams across Pell Frischmann, you will play a key role in delivering innovative and cost-effective geotechnical solutions from feasibility through to detailed design and construction support. The position can be based from any of our UK offices with hybrid working available. You will be responsible for the successful delivery of geotechnical projects, providing technical excellence and leadership throughout project lifecycles.

The Role Will Involve

• Managing geotechnical projects to time, budget and quality requirements.
• Leading site investigation, assessment and design activities.
• Acting as a technical reviewer and mentor for less experienced engineers.
• Developing client relationships and supporting business growth.
• Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across the business.
• Supporting framework and major project opportunities across multiple sectors.

Projects May Include

• Highway and transport infrastructure
• Water and wastewater schemes
• Flood alleviation projects
• Reservoirs and dams
• Commercial and residential developments
• Earthworks and embankments
• Retaining structures
• Energy and utilities infrastructure
• Lead and manage geotechnical engineering projects from inception through to completion.
• Oversee planning, procurement and supervision of ground investigations.
• Interpret geotechnical and geological data and prepare factual and interpretative reports.
• Undertake and review geotechnical analyses and detailed design calculations.
• Design earthworks, foundations, retaining structures, slopes and embankments.
• Deliver geotechnical input to multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Prepare technical specifications, reports and construction documentation.
• Provide construction phase support and site supervision where required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards, legislation and client requirements.
• Manage project programmes, budgets and resource allocation.
• Support tender submissions, fee proposals and business development opportunities.
• Lead client meetings and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Mentor and support the professional development of junior engineers.
• Promote innovation, technical excellence and best practice throughout the team.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Chartered Geologist (CGeol), or working towards professional chartership.

Preferred

• MSc in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline.
• Chartered status with ICE, Geological Society or equivalent professional institution.

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience delivering geotechnical projects within a consultancy environment.
• Experience managing ground investigations, interpreting geotechnical data and producing technical reports.
• Experience in the design of foundations, retaining structures, slopes and earthworks.
• Proven track record of managing projects, programmes, budgets and client relationships.
• Experience reviewing and checking technical work produced by others.
• Experience mentoring and supporting junior engineers.

Preferred

• Experience delivering major infrastructure projects across transportation, water, energy or development sectors.
• Experience managing frameworks and key client accounts.
• Experience supporting business development, bid preparation and fee proposals.
• Line management and team leadership experience.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and project delivery frameworks.

Skills

Essential

• Strong geotechnical analysis and design capabilities.
• Sound understanding of Eurocodes, British Standards and current industry practice.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and report‑writing skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and client‑focused approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Commitment to technical excellence, quality and continuous improvement.

Preferred

• Experience using geotechnical modelling and analysis software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio or equivalent.
• Knowledge of BIM and digital engineering processes.
• Established industry network and ability to develop new client relationships.
• Interest in innovation, sustainability and modern methods of project delivery.

Why Pell Frischmann?

We are one of the UK's most influential and highly respected firms of infrastructure and built environment professionals. We provide a collaborative and supportive working environment, where you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to create your own pathway and make a real impact within the business and in the communities in which you will operate. We'll support your ongoing personal and professional development as your career progresses, allowing you to reach your full potential. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and are delighted to be a part of the government's Disability Confident Scheme. We're happy to talk about flexible working, including hybrid working, and are committed to promoting the wellbeing of all our employees.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please contact us at

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a diversity monitoring form. We are committed to recruiting, retaining and developing a workforce that reflects at all grades the diverse communities that we serve. By completing this form, you will help us to monitor and analyse diversity information so that we can ensure that our recruitment processes are fair and identify opportunities to improve them. Any information provided on this form will be treated as strictly confidential and will not be seen by those involved in the selection process.

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