Senior / Principal Geotechnical Engineer

The Opportunity We’re looking for a Senior or Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our expanding Geo Division across the North of England, with key hubs in Manchester and Stoke. You will become part of a collaborative and high-energy team where geotechnical expertise is at the heart of multidisciplinary projects, supported by leadership who have risen through the ranks and understand what it takes to progress a career. Joining our team means working on diverse, high-impact projects spanning renewables, defence, justice, commercial, and residential sectors, all while contributing to technically challenging and innovative solutions. The team thrives on close collaboration across disciplines, fostering an environment where career development, learning, and technical excellence are at the forefront. About The Role As a Senior or Principal Geotechnical Consultant, you will be a key technical lead across a range of high-profile projects. Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Advising clients on site investigation scoping and data interpretation
• Preparing comprehensive interpretative and design reports, including Geotechnical Design Reports (GDRs) and Earthworks Specifications (EWSs)
• Conducting technical analysis of foundations, retaining structures, slope stability, and earthworks
• Supporting construction through on-site auditing and technical guidance
• Leading earthworks schemes involving surcharging, ground improvement, and collaboration with contaminated land specialists
• Mentoring junior team members and supporting multidisciplinary collaboration
• Promoting innovative and sustainable geotechnical solutions on challenging sites

Your Impact In this role, you will:

• Shape the delivery of technically robust geotechnical solutions with lasting impact for clients and communities
• Lead projects that overcome complex ground conditions and improve construction outcomes
• Influence design strategies and ensure compliance with UK geotechnical standards such as EC7 and DMRB
• Bring clarity and innovation to challenging projects, helping multidisciplinary teams deliver safe, sustainable, and high-quality developments

About You

• Strong experience in UK geotechnical practice, with expertise in soil mechanics and soil–structure interaction
• Proven ability to prepare GDRs, EWSs, and related technical documentation
• Proficient in specifying and interpreting ground investigation techniques, including in situ and laboratory testing
• Experience with technical analysis of foundations, retaining structures, slope stability, and earthworks
• Knowledge of industry-standard software; experience with Plaxis 3D or other advanced finite element tools is highly advantageous
• Excellent report-writing skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, and insightful interpretative geotechnical reports
• Hands-on, innovative, and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to mentor junior team members and influence multidisciplinary project outcomes

Qualifications

• BEng, BSc, or higher degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering, or a Geology degree with an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering (or equivalent)
• Chartered Member of a relevant professional institution, or actively working toward Chartership

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 in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups)
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
• Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

#GEO 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.