Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Hybrid, UK Rail & Infra

External Role Title: Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Location: Cardiff - Hybrid

This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group.

As part of the Vulcain family, Crouch Waterfall brings decades of specialist experience in Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineering to a wide range of UK infrastructure projects. Crouch Waterfall specialise in core areas of Bridges, Rail, Infrastructure, Buildings and Geotechnical Services, designing and coordinating projects from conception to completion. Established since 1981, the business has enjoyed steady growth driven by a committed and highly skilled workforce of 120 employees.

The Position: Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer

We’re growing our geotechnical team in Cardiff and are looking for a practical, flexible Principal & Senior Geotechnical Engineer to play a key role in our continued expansion. This is an opportunity to join a busy, supportive office delivering a diverse range of projects across domestic and commercial structures, rail, bridges and temporary works, spanning both public and private sectors. You’ll take ownership of selected projects, work closely with engineers and technicians, and be supported by senior leadership, with real scope to develop your career while contributing directly to the wider growth of the business.

We are ideally looking for an experienced Principal Engineer, but we also encourage applications from experienced Engineers who are ready to progress to Principal level, with structured support and mentorship provided.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Principal Geotechnical Engineer will include:

• Take technical and delivery ownership of geotechnical projects, leading and approving designs for temporary and permanent works, with a strong focus on reviewing and checking the work of others.
• Lead project delivery across your remit, managing priorities, outputs, programmes and quality standards.
• Oversee and coordinate engineers and technicians within the team, providing technical direction and guidance.
• Manage project delivery activities including programmes, resourcing, forecasting and invoicing input.
• Prepare and review technical reports, feasibility and option studies, and associated project documentation.
• Undertake site inspections and geotechnical surveys where required.
• Act as a key client contact and support relationship development and business development activity.
• Collaborate with other offices and disciplines, mentor junior staff, and contribute to team and wider business growth.

You’ll be joining a dynamic SME with a strong and growing project portfolio across multiple sectors and structure types. The role offers real scope to shape your influence, grow capability around you, and take on broader leadership responsibility. This is a great opportunity for someone from a larger organisation who wants greater visibility, impact, and progression.

Preferred Profile:

• Degree qualified (BSc, BEng or MEng) in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive relevant experience in geotechnical engineering alongside demonstrable experience leading technical scopes, project packages or small teams.
• Chartered status (or near-chartered) with a recognised professional body (e.g. CEng or CGeol).
• Experience working on UK projects and familiarity with UK standards and practice.
• Strong technical reporting skills and a high standard of written and spoken English.
• Independent right to live and work in the UK.
• Rail sector experience, geotechnical inspections/surveys, and familiarity with engineering. software (e.g. GEO-5, FEM tools, CAD) beneficial but not essential.
• Full UK driving licence useful but not essential.

Why Join Us?

At Crouch Waterfall, we’re committed to investing in our people through tailored training, mentoring, and real opportunities for progression. Whether you're aiming for Chartership, developing leadership skills, or looking for broader commercial exposure - we’ll support your growth every step of the way.

You’ll be part of supportive team with an open-door culture, where your voice is heard and your ideas matter. We offer the chance to work across sectors - with proven success helping engineers move from buildings and commercial projects into infrastructure and heavy industry.

With a strong presence in the rail and construction sectors, and as part of the wider Vulcain Engineering Group, you'll benefit from international connections, long-term stability, and a truly collaborative culture.

We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience and background. Whether you're earlier in your career or bring more senior-level expertise, we encourage you to apply if this role aligns with your skills, or if you're open to discussing other opportunities within this discipline.

We also offer a benefits package, both standard and enhanced, which is designed to support your wellbeing, development, and financial future, including:

• Hybrid working set-up, with flexible working hours.
• Casual office attire and a relaxed and comfortable working environment.
• Minimum 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, plus a day off on your Birthday.
• Additional leave purchase scheme.
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme.
• Private medical Insurance.
• Contributory Pension Scheme, up to 5%.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Crouch Waterfall is committed to valuing our diversity and eliminating discrimination. All our employees have an equal chance of advancement based upon merit, access to opportunities, and the training necessary to that end irrespective of your sex, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, disability unrelated to the ability to carry out the job, or age.

We appreciate every application. However, due to the volume we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for this role or who may be a strong fit for future opportunities.

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