Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Job Description
Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Melbourne
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, heritage, land management and rehabilitation, bushfire planning and design.

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 is continuing to grow across Australia, and we are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our Melbourne office.

This role is ideal for a technically strong engineer who also enjoys working with clients to develop business opportunities and deliver high-quality projects. You will play a central role in growing our Victorian presence while working closely with colleagues in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, and Adelaide as part of Kleinfelder's national geotechnical and contaminated land team.

As a senior member of the Melbourne office, you will provide technical leadership, manage complex projects, and mentor junior staff while helping to build long-term client relationships across the public and private sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and peer review of geotechnical proposals, designs, and reports, ensuring technical excellence.
• Manage a variety of geotechnical projects from investigation through to design and construction, including contractor and budget management.
• Engage directly with clients to deliver outcomes, grow relationships, and identify new opportunities.
• Support the development of junior and mid-level staff, building technical depth and confidence within the team.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver integrated, client-focused solutions.

About You
We are looking for an individual with a strong focus on managing and delivering geotechnical projects from investigation through to design and construction, along with a strong record combined with the ability to engage confidently with clients and contribute to business development. You are a trusted advisor with a balance of technical consistency, commercial awareness, and leadership skills.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil or related Engineering (postgraduate qualifications highly regarded).
• 15+ years' consulting experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong technical background.
• Proven ability to win and deliver work, including developing proposals, building client relationships, and growing revenue streams.
• Strong experience in geotechnical design and analysis (slopes, soil nails, retaining walls, foundations, etc.).
• Understanding of integrated investigations in geotechnical and contaminated land projects.
• Demonstrated leadership in health, safety, and quality.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and technical presentations.
• Professional recognition such as 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 offer:

• Highly competitive salaries and extra leave benefits such as:

• Paid Parental Leave,

• Purchase extra annual leave per year,

• Australia day public holiday swap,

• Flexible work arrangements available (e.g., hybrid working),

• Access to our health and wellness initiatives (e.g., Employee Assistance Program),
• Professional career and technical development programs incl, study assistance with external and internal learning,
• Opportunities to participate Corporate Social Responsibilities (volunteering, charity community support),
• Professional membership support.

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.