Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist

Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist
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
From evaluating complex earthworks and rock slopes to analysing their interactions with drainage and major structures, you will deliver specialist expertise to protect and enhance critical transport corridors:

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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed