Principal Geotechnical Engineer – New South Wales

Principal Geotechnical Engineer – New South Wales

The Company

Kleinfelder Australia is an environmental consulting firm providing professional and technical services for land contamination and remediation, geotechnical engineering, environmental planning and approvals, ecology, land management and rehabilitation.

We are part of the global Kleinfelder Group, an environmental, engineering and science-based consulting firm, can utilise the experience of over 3,000 employees globally. With almost 100 staff operating across Australia, we deliver our projects with local and international experience.

The Opportunity

Kleinfelder continues to grow across Australia, and we are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Geotechnical Engineer to take on the lead role for our New South Wales geotechnical service line and also provide technical leadership to the national geotechnical team. Based in our Sydney office, you will provide strategic and technical leadership, drive project delivery, grow client relationships, mentor and grow our NSW team as well as mentor the wider national geotechnical team to build Kleinfelder's geotechnical capability across Australia.

This is a senior leadership position where you will be the principal technical authority for geotechnical engineering in the Australian business. You will also lead the growth of our NSW geotechnical service line, grow and manage the NSW team, while working collaboratively with our offices in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, as part of a national, multidisciplinary consultancy.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for proposals, investigations, design, and reporting, including peer review of complex deliverables.
• Lead and manage geotechnical projects, ensuring effective coordination of internal teams, contractors, budgets, and client relationships.
• Build and strengthen client networks, partnering with our business development lead to expand the geotechnical service line nationally.
• Manage, mentor and support the development of geotechnical staff, building technical depth and leadership capability within the team.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of our geotechnical services, collaborating closely with engineering and environmental leaders across the business.

About You

We are looking for an individual with a strong focus on managing geotechnical projects from investigation through to design and construction, along with a strong record of business development and team leadership. You are a capable people manager with the ability to inspire, mentor, and grow a high-performing team. Applicants should possess an in-depth knowledge and practical application of Australian National Standard Site Investigation and Geotechnical Investigations.

What We are looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil or related Engineering (postgraduate qualifications highly regarded).
• 15+ years' experience in geotechnical consulting, with strong technical and project leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and grow a client base, with a successful track record in business development.
• People management experience, including mentoring and developing technical staff.
• Demonstrated health, safety, and quality leadership.
• Strong technical expertise in geotechnical design (e.g. slopes, retaining walls, soil nails, footings).
• Experience with integrated geotechnical and contaminated land investigations advantageous.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, including report writing and peer review.
• Professional recognition through RPEQ, CPEng or equivalent desirable.

What Kleinfelder can offer

At Kleinfelder, you will join a collaborative, inclusive environment where your leadership and expertise will directly shape the future of our geotechnical services. We can offer:

• Highly competitive salaries and extra leave benefits such as:
  • Paid Parental Leave,
  • Purchase extra annual leave per year,
  • Australia day public holiday swap,
• The opportunity to lead the national geotechnical service line within a supportive multidisciplinary consultancy.
• A career-defining leadership role with scope for growth and influence.
• Flexible work arrangements available (e.g., hybrid working),  
• Professional career and technical development programs incl, study assistance with external and internal learning,
• Opportunities to participate Corporate Social Responsibilities (volunteering, charity community support),
• Service recognition and reward programs including bonuses,
• Professional membership support.

Relocation support can be offered for the successful candidate.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

If this opportunity sounds like something you have been looking for, we encourage you to submit your application including your CV and Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the role. 

If require any further information regarding this role, please email our friendly HR team:

To be eligible for this position you must have unrestricted legal work rights to work in Australia.

Kleinfelder will be managing this recruitment process and applications from third party recruiters will not be accepted.