Geotechnical Engineer
The Senior Geotechnical Engineer will act as the client’s technical representative for all geotechnical matters. The role is responsible for reviewing geotechnical investigations and designs, supervising contractor activities, verifying compliance with project requirements, and providing practical technical recommendations throughout design and construction.
This is a PMC/consultant oversight position. Candidates with only contractor-side execution experience and no design-review or consultant-supervision background will not meet the role requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Review geotechnical investigation plans, factual and interpretive reports, borehole logs, laboratory results, groundwater data and geotechnical design reports.
Validate soil parameters, design assumptions, calculations and foundation recommendations.
Review designs for shallow and deep foundations, piling, retaining structures, slope stability, excavation support, shoring, dewatering, earthworks and ground-improvement systems.
Supervise geotechnical construction activities, including excavation, piling, pile testing, shoring, dewatering, backfilling, compaction and ground improvement.
Review contractor method statements, inspection and test plans, shop drawings, material submittals, RFIs, inspection requests and technical proposals.
Confirm that geotechnical works comply with approved drawings, project specifications, contractual requirements and applicable local and international standards.
Witness and evaluate field and laboratory testing, pile-load testing, integrity testing, instrumentation and monitoring activities.
Identify geotechnical risks, differing ground conditions and potential effects on safety, programme, cost and constructability.
Investigate site problems and provide technically sound, practical and timely recommendations.
Coordinate foundation and ground-engineering requirements with structural, civil, roads, utilities, drainage and construction teams.
Review contractor non-conformance reports and corrective actions related to geotechnical works.
Conduct site inspections and technical audits, documenting observations and following issues through to closure.
Monitor contractor performance, quality, progress and compliance.
Prepare technical reviews, site observations, risk assessments, recommendations and periodic reports for the client and project management.
Participate in technical meetings, design workshops, value-engineering reviews and constructability assessments.
Support change evaluations and claims reviews involving ground conditions or geotechnical scope.
Maintain complete and accurate technical records and contribute to lessons learned and project close-out documentation.
Promote compliance with project QA/QC and health and safety requirements.
Requirements
Professional fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
The candidate must be able to:
Lead technical meetings and communicate confidently with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary teams.
Review specifications, contracts, calculations and technical submissions written in English.
Draft clear technical reports, formal correspondence, review comments and recommendations in English.
Explain complex geotechnical matters to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
English proficiency must be assessed during the interview and through a short written technical exercise. Candidates unable to communicate effectively in English must be rejected.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
Professional Engineer, Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional registration.
PMP certification.
Recognized QA/QC certification.
Specialized training in geotechnical investigation, piling, ground improvement, numerical modelling or foundation engineering.
Previous GCC or Middle East infrastructure experience.
Experience with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS 2D/3D, GeoStudio, Settle3, Slide2, LPile or equivalent.
Familiarity with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring systems.
Extensive, directly relevant experience may substitute for the preferred postgraduate qualification. It does not replace the mandatory bachelor’s degree.
Core Competencies
Geotechnical design review and technical assurance
Site supervision and contractor oversight
Geotechnical investigations and interpretation
Foundation and ground-improvement systems
Risk identification and problem-solving
QA/QC and specification compliance
Technical writing and client reporting
Multidisciplinary coordination
Professional judgement and decision-making
Clear English communication
Safety and constructability awareness
Benefits
The successful candidate will be offered a competitive employment package, subject to company policy and the project location, which may include:
Competitive salary based on qualifications and relevant experience
Medical insurance
Paid annual leave and public holidays
End-of-service or retirement benefits in accordance with local legislation
Visa, relocation and mobilization support where applicable
Accommodation, transportation or site allowance where applicable
Annual flight allowance for eligible international assignments
Professional membership and certification support
Technical training and continuing professional development
Exposure to major infrastructure and complex ground-engineering projects
Opportunities for technical leadership and career progression