Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Overview

In this Principal Geotechnical Engineer role, you will lead major geotechnical projects across the UK and beyond, serving as a technical authority and mentor. You’ll guide multidisciplinary teams, shape innovative ground-engineering solutions, and build strong client relationships. You’ll contribute to bid activity and thought leadership while promoting safety and sustainability. The position offers a chance to influence high-profile programmes and support colleagues’ professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on complex geotechnical design and ground engineering projects
• Mentor and manage project teams, fostering collaboration and inclusion
• Deliver robust technical solutions compliant with standards and client requirements
• Develop strong client relationships as a trusted advisor and point of contact
• Support business development through bid preparation, technical presentations, and thought leadership
• Promote safety, sustainability and continuous improvement across projects
• Collaborate with global teams to share best practices and deliver value-led outcomes

Key requirements

• Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering (geotechnical focus), Geotechnical Engineering, or Engineering Geology
• Chartered Engineer or Geologist status or working towards it
• Significant experience delivering and leading geotechnical projects, ideally in a consultancy
• Strong technical knowledge of geotechnical design, ground investigation, and software (VDISP/PDISP, WALLAP, REPUTE, Slope/W)
• Excellent leadership, communication and client engagement skills
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver on time and budget
• Commitment to professional development, innovation and Arcadis values

• leadership
• communication
• client engagement
• geotechnical design
• ground investigation
• VDISP/PDISP

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