Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer (Dams & Reservoirs)

Job Description

Overview

Due to an expanding project portfolio, we are seeking a Principal or Associate Geotechnical Engineer with extensive experience in the design, assessment and rehabilitation of earth embankment dams, reservoir infrastructure and water-retaining structures to join us. Some of our flagship projects include Fens, Lincs, Broad Oak and Havant Thicket reservoirs. This is an opportunity to play a leading role in the delivery of nationally significant dam and reservoir projects, helping clients manage risk, improve asset resilience and maintain the highest standards of dam safety. Working within multidisciplinary teams, you will contribute to the successful delivery of complex geotechnical and hydraulic engineering projects from feasibility through to construction and long-term asset management.

The successful candidate will combine strong engineering judgement with advanced analytical capability and practical experience in the application of industry-standard geotechnical software to solve complex engineering challenges. You will also contribute to the continued growth of our dams and reservoirs capability through technical leadership, client engagement and team development.

Your role

• As a Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership, manage project delivery, contribute to business growth and support the development of engineering capability across the practice.

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

• Lead geotechnical and dam engineering projects from concept, feasibility and detailed design through to construction support.

• Undertake and review geotechnical assessments for earth embankments, reservoirs, flood defences and levees.

• Deliver engineering solutions for:

  • Earth dams and embankments.
  • Dam rehabilitation and raising schemes.
  • Seepage control measures.
  • Stability improvement works.
  • Foundation treatment schemes.
  • Drainage and filter systems.
  • Lead dam safety reviews, risk assessments and engineering evaluations.
  • Review and interpret ground investigation data, geotechnical monitoring information and instrumentation records.
  • Prepare and review technical reports, engineering calculations, specifications and design documentation.
  • Provide technical assurance and independent review of engineering deliverables.
  • Support construction-stage activities, quality assurance and performance monitoring.

Client, Business & Sector Leadership

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators and key stakeholders.

• Support business development, framework opportunities and project bids.

• Contribute to the strategic growth of the dams and reservoirs practice.

• Support Reservoirs Act projects, dam safety inspections and Reservoir Panel Engineer activities where appropriate.

• Represent the business in technical discussions and promote best practice in dam engineering and geotechnical risk management.

• Contribute to the delivery of sustainable and resilient water infrastructure solutions.

Team Development & Mentoring

• Mentor and develop junior and senior members of the geotechnical team.

• Share technical knowledge and promote engineering excellence across project teams.

• Support professional development and Chartered Engineer progression.

• Contribute to team leadership, resource planning and capability development initiatives.

• Encourage innovation and the adoption of advanced analytical methods and digital engineering tools.

About you

• We are looking for a technically strong and commercially aware engineer who is passionate about dam engineering, geotechnical excellence and the delivery of safe, resilient infrastructure.

• You will be recognised as a trusted technical professional with strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities and a collaborative approach to leadership and project delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a recognised professional institution.

• Extensive experience in geotechnical engineering consultancy or major infrastructure delivery.

• Proven experience in the design, assessment and rehabilitation of:

  • Earth dams.
  • Reservoir embankments.
  • Water-retaining structures.
  • Flood defence embankments.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and technically complex projects.
  • Excellent report writing, client management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Technical Expertise

Strong knowledge and experience in:

• Embankment and foundation design.

• Seepage analysis.

• Internal erosion and piping assessments.

• Slope stability analysis.

• Geotechnical risk management.

• Construction quality assurance.

• Dam safety reviews and risk assessments.

• Foundation characterisation and treatment design.

• Construction support and performance monitoring of embankment structures.

• Software & Digital Capability.

• Geotechnical Analysis.

• GeoStudio Suite (Seequent).

• SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, SIGMA/W and QUAKE/W (desirable).

• PLAXIS 2D and/or PLAXIS 3D.

• Advanced geotechnical numerical modelling.

• Finite element analysis of dams and embankments.

• Rocscience Suite.

• Slide2 / Slide3, RS2 and Settle3 (desirable).

• Engineering & Data Management Tools.

• Microsoft Excel for engineering calculations and data analysis.

• ArcGIS or QGIS.

• AutoCAD and Civil 3D.

• Bentley OpenGround, gINT or OpenGround Cloud.

• Desirable Experience

  • Reservoirs Act projects and dam safety inspections.
  • Reservoir Panel Engineer support.
  • Dam rehabilitation and safety improvement programmes.
  • Seepage and internal erosion assessments.
  • Dam breach and flood consequence studies.
  • Instrumentation data management and interpretation.
  • International dam and reservoir projects.
  • Team leadership or discipline management responsibilities.

• Experience using

  • HEC-RAS.
  • InfoWorks ICM.
  • Leapfrog Works.
  • Power BI for engineering data visualisation.

• Personal Attributes

  • Strong engineering judgement and problem-solving capability.
  • Passion for dam engineering and geotechnical excellence.
  • Client-focused with strong commercial awareness.
  • Collaborative leadership style and mentoring mindset.
  • Commitment to technical quality, safety and innovation.
  • Ability to influence project outcomes and support business growth.
  • Enthusiasm for developing people and shaping the future of the dams and reservoirs practice.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Rewards and benefits – Careers at AtkinsRéalis

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.