Principal Geotechnical Engineer

 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 continues to expand across Australia, and we are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Geotechnical Engineer to drive the growth of our Victorian geotechnical services. Based in our Melbourne office, this role is a key strategic appointment focused on business development, client relationship growth, and market expansion, supported by strong technical capability.

This opportunity is ideal for a senior geotechnical professional who thrives on building client networks, identifying and converting opportunities, preparing high-quality tenders and proposals, and positioning Kleinfelder as a trusted advisor in the Victorian market. While technical leadership remains important, the role will be predominantly business development and client engagement, supported by delivery of high-quality geotechnical work.

As a leader within the Melbourne office, you will also mentor technical staff, support multidisciplinary collaboration, and play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term growth of our geotechnical offering across Victoria and support other states as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive business development activities to expand Kleinfelder’s geotechnical presence in Victoria, including opportunity identification, networking, and strategic market positioning.
• Lead, coordinate, and prepare tenders and proposals, ensuring high-quality submissions that reflect client needs and align with commercial strategy.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain long-term client relationships across public and private sectors.
• Lead and review geotechnical proposals, designs, and reports to ensure technical excellence and support successful project delivery.
• Manage geotechnical projects from investigation through to design and construction, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and commercial performance.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level engineers to develop technical depth and confidence within the team.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues across Australia to deliver integrated, client-focused solutions.

About You

We are looking for a senior geotechnical professional with proven capability in winning work, preparing tenders and proposals, and expanding client portfolios, backed by strong technical leadership. You are commercially astute, confident in client-facing interactions, and recognised as a trusted advisor. You balance relationship-building expertise with consistent technical delivery and people leadership.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical, Civil or related Engineering (postgraduate qualifications highly regarded).
• 12+ years’ consulting experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong technical background and investigation focused experience.
• Demonstrated success in team growth and business development, including writing and coordinating tenders and proposals, winning work, and growing revenue streams. Experience in generating external client business preferable to servicing an internal engineering client.
• Extensive experience in geotechnical investigation, design and analysis (slopes, soil nails, retaining walls, foundations, etc.).
• Preferably an understanding of integrated investigations integrating 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

We offer a range of benefits to support your development and well-being:

• Competitive salary and extra leave options (e.g. purchased leave, paid parental leave, public holiday swap)
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid working
• Access to health and wellness programs (e.g. EAP)
• Career development support and study assistance
• Recognition and reward programs

Kleinfelder is an equal opportunity employer where we value and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be part of our organisation and apply.

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.

Please complete your application by 6 January 2026. We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and the role may be filled prior to the closing date.

If require any further information regarding this role, please email our friendly HR team: HR_SupportAU@kleinfelder.com.

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.