Senior / principal geotechnical engineer

Understand the ground beneath us. Engineer the possibilities above it. At Stantec, we bring together talented engineers, geologists and technical specialists to solve complex challenges and create a better future for our communities and environment. We're looking for a Senior / Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing Southwest & Wales team, with a particular focus on ground characterisation, geotechnical assessment and design.

Working across our Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter offices, you'll contribute to an exciting and varied portfolio of infrastructure, development and regeneration projects throughout Southwest England and Wales. From understanding complex ground conditions to developing innovative engineering solutions, you'll help clients make informed decisions, manage risk and bring ambitious projects to life. You'll join an established, multidisciplinary team where collaboration is at the heart of what we do.

Working alongside civil and structural engineers, environmental specialists and other technical experts, you'll have the opportunity to apply your expertise to challenging projects, share knowledge and play an important role in our continued growth. Whether you're looking to deepen your technical expertise, take on greater responsibility or help shape the next generation of geotechnical talent, this is an opportunity to make your mark.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality geotechnical solutions, drawing on your understanding of geology, ground investigation and engineering design to tackle a diverse range of technical challenges. From the early stages of investigation through to assessment, design and delivery, you'll help develop a clear understanding of ground conditions and translate your findings into practical, robust engineering recommendations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Getting to the ground truth: Planning and managing geotechnical ground investigations and surveys, including developing investigation scopes, specifications and schedules.
• Turning data into insight: Reviewing and interpreting geological mapping, borehole logs, trial pits, laboratory results and other ground investigation data to build a detailed understanding of site conditions.
• Building robust ground models: Developing ground models and geological interpretations to inform engineering assessments and design decisions.
• Delivering technical excellence: Undertaking geotechnical analysis, modelling and design using appropriate industry-standard methods and software.
• Providing trusted advice: Preparing, reviewing and peer-reviewing geotechnical reports, technical notes and specifications, including Geotechnical Design Reports (GDRs).
• Solving complex challenges: Undertaking geotechnical assessments and developing practical engineering recommendations for a wide range of ground conditions and design requirements.
• Managing ground-related risk: Working closely with multidisciplinary teams to identify, assess and manage geotechnical risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Building strong relationships: Liaising with clients, contractors, drilling contractors and other stakeholders to support effective project delivery.
• Sharing your expertise: Supporting and mentoring junior and early-career colleagues, helping develop technical capability across the team.
• Making an impact: Depending on your experience, taking responsibility for technical delivery, project management and client relationships.

YOUR IMPACT

Great engineering starts with understanding what's beneath the surface. Ground conditions can shape the success of an entire project. Your expertise will help our clients understand the challenges, manage uncertainty and make confident decisions from the earliest stages of development. You'll contribute to projects that support infrastructure, regeneration and development across Southwest England and Wales, helping transform complex geological information into practical solutions that work in the real world.

Beyond your technical contribution, you'll help strengthen our regional geotechnical capability, collaborate with specialists across disciplines and share your knowledge with colleagues. At Stantec, your work won't exist in isolation. You'll be part of a wider team working together to deliver thoughtful, sustainable engineering solutions that make a lasting difference to the places where people live, work and connect.

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for an experienced Geotechnical Engineer who combines strong technical knowledge with curiosity, sound engineering judgement and a collaborative approach. You'll bring a background in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology or geological investigation, with the confidence to interpret complex ground conditions and develop appropriate engineering solutions.

Ideally, you'll have:

• A degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong professional experience in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology or geological investigation.
• Experience planning, specifying, supervising and interpreting geotechnical ground investigations.
• The ability to interpret geological and ground investigation data and develop robust ground models.
• A sound understanding of geotechnical principles and the engineering behaviour of soils and rocks.
• Experience undertaking geotechnical assessments, modelling and design.
• Proficiency in relevant industry software, such as Oasys Pile, ALP PDisp, Rocscience Slide, GEO5 Retaining Wall, AutoCAD and Excel.
• Experience producing technical documentation, including Geotechnical Design Reports, Geotechnical Feedback Reports and Technical Notes.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients, contractors and colleagues.
• A collaborative mindset and an interest in contributing to the development of others.
• Experience with Plaxis 3D or other Finite Element (FE) software would be an advantage.
• Chartered status, or a commitment to working towards professional chartership, would also be beneficial.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who enjoys tackling technical challenges, takes pride in delivering quality work and wants to contribute to a growing, supportive geotechnical team.

WHY JOIN US

We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed. We are driven to achieve: Named among Glassdoor's Top 50 Companies to Work for in 2025 and recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies in 2025. We were also named Best Place to Work and International Consulting Firm of the Year at the NCE Awards 2024.

We do what is right: Access industry-leading training, professional development and paid professional subscriptions, with support to help you achieve chartership through a professional progression plan. We are better together: Be part of a supportive, collaborative team, with an Early Careers peer group and a wider Employee Resource Group (ERG) network. We are growing: Join us on an exciting growth journey across the UK and Ireland, with opportunities to develop your expertise and contribute to the future of our business.

We offer great benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus schemes, an enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy or sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection, life assurance, discounted gym membership and more. We support flexibility: Benefit from our hybrid approach to flexible working, helping you maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.

Ready to shape what's next?

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights.

We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities. Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success.

If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.