Principal Geotechnical Engineer

About the Role

The Energy Unit leads work in energy and nuclear defence markets, tackling the energy transition to ensure safe, stable, sustainable supply. Multidisciplinary teams cover the full project lifecycle—from advisory and feasibility studies through design, construction support and site supervision—across a wide range of technologies such as HVDC, solar, battery storage, wind, tidal, nuclear, hydropower, hydrogen and thermal projects in the UK and Europe. The Principal Geotechnical Engineer role sits in the growing geotechnical team of the Energy Unit, working on public and private sector projects across the UK, Europe and beyond. The position involves leading the identification and delivery of cost‑effective, buildable designs in line with Eurocodes, overseeing design teams, liaising with clients, managing risk, applying sustainability principles and controlling budgets. • Conduct ground characterisation reviews and 2D numerical modelling for soil‑structure interaction. • Lead design of foundations, substructures, earthworks, slope stability and retaining wall systems from feasibility to detailed design and construction. • Manage small single‑discipline design teams and collaborate on larger multidisciplinary projects. • Travel to project sites for delivery and client liaison meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸numerical modelling
• ▸foundation design
• ▸team management
• ▸site visits
• ▸risk management
• ▸budget control

What You Bring

The ideal candidate holds a civil‑engineering degree in geotechnics or a related discipline, is a Chartered Engineer, and has extensive geotechnical experience on energy‑sector projects, including design of foundations, earthworks and retaining structures. They demonstrate strong communication, client‑relationship and project‑management skills, have led small engineering teams, and are willing to travel nationally and internationally. Experience mentoring engineers and knowledge of transmission, generation or nuclear sectors is essential, with postgraduate study or offshore experience considered advantageous. • Hold a civil‑engineering degree in geotechnics or engineering geology and Chartered Engineer status (ICE or equivalent). • Possess significant geotechnical experience on energy projects, including transmission, distribution, renewable/thermal generation or nuclear defence. • Demonstrate experience in managing small engineering teams and mentoring junior engineers. • Willingness to travel nationally and internationally. • Desirable: Have a Masters or PhD in civil engineering (geotechnics or engineering geology). • Desirable: Possess offshore or near‑shore project experience.

Requirements

• ▸civil engineering
• ▸chartered engineer
• ▸geotechnics
• ▸energy projects
• ▸team lead
• ▸offshore

Benefits

Mott MacDonald promotes agile, hybrid working, equality, diversity and inclusion, and provides extensive support for disabled applicants. Employees benefit from financial wellbeing programmes (pension match, life assurance, income protection, bonuses), employee ownership, comprehensive health and wellbeing packages, generous holiday entitlement, enhanced family and carer leave, and continuous learning and development opportunities through mentoring and training. The firm also encourages participation in employee networks and community‑focused social outcomes. • Financial wellbeing package: pension match 4.5‑7 %, life assurance up to 4‑6 × salary, income protection and flexible benefits. • Employee‑ownership model with performance bonuses and direct stake in the business. • Health and wellbeing provision: private medical insurance, health cash plan, menopause support and comprehensive wellbeing programme. • Lifestyle benefits: 33‑35 days annual leave (increasing after 5 years), ability to buy or sell leave, retail discounts. • Enhanced family and carer leave: up to 26 weeks paid maternity/adoption, paid paternity/partner leave, shared parental leave, additional caring days. • Learning and development: professional institution subscription, mentoring, formal training and self‑development opportunities. • Access to employee networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, ethnicity, disability and parental communities and opportunities to contribute to social outcomes.

Work Environment

Hybrid