Overview
Join to apply for the Principal Geotechnical Engineer role at RPS. RPS, a Tetra Tech company, is looking for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to be based in Abingdon, Cardiff or London.
About The Team: The Environmental Compliance and Ground Engineering group with RPS requires growth to support our business needs. You will work on exciting projects across the UK, providing support and guidance to help you and others achieve your potential. The ECGE team provides ground engineering consultancy support throughout the development lifecycle. There is opportunity to use your experience and develop new skills across a wide range of projects.
Your impact: Join RPS to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change. Discover your full potential and grow your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
What You Will Be Doing
The Principal Geotechnical Engineer level will provide support to junior colleagues, report to more senior staff, and focus on project management and delivery of their own projects. You will be engaged in a mix of projects ranging from due diligence to supporting planning applications and delivery of design works leading to and supporting construction. You will originate and check specifications and design of geotechnical elements and foundations. You may work independently or as part of a team.
* Geotechnical data assessment, analysis, geotechnical design, risk assessments, modelling and reporting to EC7 and CD622
* Checking the work of junior staff and input on Phase 1 geotechnical and geoenvironmental desk studies, Phase 2 Ground investigation procurement, supervision, field logging and sampling, monitoring, factual and interpretative reporting
* Geotechnical design calculations for foundations, slopes, retaining walls and earthworks
* Undertake Coal Mining Risk Assessments including development of investigatory works and remediation/mitigation strategies
* Supervising and monitoring earthworks or geotechnical projects for infrastructure and land development; QA monitoring and validation reporting experience is advantageous
* Plan and manage own project work to meet client requirements and deadlines in accordance with the QA system
* Respond to technical queries in a professional and timely manner
* Take accountability for own and others’ contribution and delivery on projects and act as Project Manager for programme and financial aspects
* Help grow the business by strengthening client relationships and supporting expansion into new markets
* Continual professional development and maintaining up-to-date discipline knowledge
Who We Are Looking For
With considerable UK experience, you’ll be familiar with what we’re looking for:
* A geotechnical engineering professional with experience in the UK, including geotechnical data assessment, analysis, design, risk assessments, modelling and reporting. Experience in geoenvironmental (contaminated land) investigation will be an advantage as many projects are multi-faceted.
* Working knowledge of EC7 geotechnical design including earthworks, foundations, settlement, and slope stability analysis
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
* Good understanding of UK geology and geotechnical/soil mechanics principles
* Practical experience of site investigation and laboratory techniques
* Ability to work remotely; proven success in designing, planning and organising tasks
* Proactive, methodical problem-solving, able to work independently and in a team
* Experience in geotechnical design of foundations, slope stability and earthworks; familiarity with design software
* Experience of site investigation techniques and soil/rock logging, reporting
* MS Office; familiarity with Holebase/Open Ground and AutoCAD advantageous
* Enthusiastic team player, able to undertake site and office work
* Willingness to learn and develop understanding of project and financial management techniques
* Commitment to building knowledge of geotechnical discipline and current methods, legislation, and guidance
* Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload
* Chartered status (ideally ICE, Geol Soc or IoM3)
Qualifications
* Ideally a relevant Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geology, or Civil Engineering with modules in Soil Mechanics or Geology and Maths
* Ideally Chartered membership of the relevant professional body
What is in it for you?
RPS is an accredited training provider offering robust, fully accredited professional training programmes up to master’s level in leadership and management and executive coaching. We support our people to innovate, collaborate and build meaningful careers with a diverse, inclusive culture. We prioritise wellbeing and flexible working, including hybrid models.
Why Choose RPS, a Tetra Tech Company
RPS joined Tetra Tech in 2023, enabling access to global resources. We design and manage projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability, supported by a global team across 550 offices in 120 countries.
About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech provides high-end consulting and engineering services for water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, with a focus on the water cycle, environment restoration, resilient infrastructure, and clean energy transition.
Note: Recruitment Agencies – we have a Preferred Supplier List and do not acknowledge speculative CVs from agencies not on the list.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industries: Business Consulting and Services
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