Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Join the SZC Project as a Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Job Purpose / Overview: The Principal Geotechnical Engineer will be integral to the Engineering and Technical function within the Civil Work Program organization. This role is responsible for supporting the management of geotechnical risks on behalf of the contractor alliance. Reporting functionally to the CWA Geotechnical Lead, the Principal Geotechnical Engineer will collaborate with other SZC participants, including the client’s design and technical assurance teams.

Contextual Information: SZC is owned by EDF and HMG, with investments managed through NNB Holdings Company (SZC) Limited. The shareholders will fund SZC up until Financial Close through equity, aligned with the approved schedule and budget. SZC’s core business encompasses designing, financing, constructing, commissioning, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure at Sizewell C in Suffolk.

Principal Accountabilities, Activities, and Decisions:

Develop a comprehensive understanding of onshore and offshore geotechnical conditions at the SZC site by reviewing existing geotechnical information.

Identify data gaps that pose risks to design and construction methods, advising on the need for additional geotechnical investigations as necessary.

Define and agree on the scope and specifications of geotechnical trials and tests within the Civil Works Programme (CWP).

Ensure appropriate data is transmitted to the contractor’s supply chain, relevant to their scope of work.

Review technical reports, designs, and submissions, providing comments on geotechnical aspects.

Support the implementation of the SZC Scheme-wide Geotechnical Risk Management Strategy (GRMS), including developing applicable Geotechnical Risk Registers and other risk management procedures.

Assess risks associated with proposed construction methods for geotechnical and ground engineering works, providing appropriate challenges to deliver optimal solutions for SZC.

Prepare and present technical reports and presentations relevant to the contractor’s scope of work.

Contribute to the preparation of contractor designs, such as Temporary Works Design, offering specialist geotechnical input and advice to designers.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

Knowledge & Skills:

Broad-based technical specialization in geotechnical engineering or engineering geology, relevant to the requirements of SZC.

Competency in report writing and technical presentation preparation.

Effective communication skills for engaging with senior management, clients, design, delivery, and supply chain teams.

Ability to explain complex geotechnical problems and concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Understanding of the relationship between technical and commercial risks, advising teams accordingly.

Mentoring junior staff.

Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize actions and conduct workflows from start to completion.

Proficiency in interrogating and interpreting geotechnical data using industry-recognized software.

Providing specialist geotechnical support to Construction Quality Assurance & Control (CQA and CQC).

Providing ad-hoc technical support in response to project changes.

Specialist support in risk mitigation and management of non-conformance and non-compliance on ground-related matters.

Qualifications & Experience:

Degree and professionally qualified.

Highly experienced in Geotechnical Engineering.

Experience in major project construction with knowledge in the implementation and management of constructive geotechnics.

Experience with deep foundations, including diaphragm walls, ground anchors, and piling.

Experience with ground improvement techniques.

Desirable: Experience with large-scale dewatering schemes, tunnelling, marine/offshore geotechnical investigations, and marine-based geotechnical engineering.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunity to work on a high-profile and impactful project.

Professional development and career growth opportunities.

A collaborative and supportive work environment.

If you have the required experience and are ready to contribute to a pioneering project in the energy sector, we encourage you to apply now and join our team at SZC