Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. 

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. 

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the business unit  
The Energy unit delivers services to clients globally across several sectors including hydropower, nuclear, waste, renewable generation and transmission & distribution networks. Together we provide integrated engineering and project management services across the project lifecycle – from concept and design to construction and operations, to decommissioning or repowering and life extension. Together with our clients, we’re helping to deliver the energy transition globally. 

Overview of role

Our team in Sofia has an opportunity for an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer as part of our Nuclear Defence and Civil team within our larger Energy unit. You will provide technical leadership in projects involving complex foundations and earthworks design and assessment, will work closely with our international clients to solve their real-world challenges and will willingly engage in activities related to the professional development of our team.  
As part of the Nuclear practice you will be engaged in activities related to the continuous professional development of the team and will be expected to actively participate in knowledge and experience sharing sessions with your peers and younger engineers. You will have the opportunity to contribute to building local expertise and growing the team through active collaboration with internal network part of the Mott MacDonald Geotechnical practice. The main responsabilities include but are not limited to:

• Design of shallow and deep foundation systems. 
• Preparation of technical reports and method statements. 
• Geotechnical earthquake engineering – liquefaction assessment, post-earthquake stability assessment. 
• Interpretation of ground investigation factual reports and development of interpretative reports. 
• Ground modelling and analysis. 
• Research and interpretation of applicable codes and standards. 
• Initiate and lead the preparation of technical proposals and bid documents for new project opportunities. 
• Prepare and deliver presentations on projects for promoting team’s expertise internally within the MML Group and externally through direct communication to clients and participation in international conferences and forums. 
• Participate actively in the planning and budgeting of tasks. 
• Organise and lead internal and client-facing technical meetings, which may also involve international travels. 
• Provide technical leadership to projects in the field of geotechnical engineering. 
• Supervise, support and organise the work of junior team members. 
• Manage a small team of direct reports

Candidate specification

Essential skills and experience: 

• Master’s degree or higher in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, or civil engineering. 
• Background and experience in geotechnical engineering and/or engineering geology. 
• Experience in interpretation of ground investigation factual reports. 
• Experience in design of shallow and deep foundation systems. 
• Experience in soil strengthening techniques. Development of excavation and earthworks specification. 
• Experience in soil column and site wide analysis (consolidation analysis for static and dynamic applications including Soil-Structure Interaction effects). 
• Experience of application of design codes supplemented by first principles and empirical considerations. 
• Stability evaluation of earthworks (excavations and embankments). 
• Ability to work independently in multi-disciplinary projects and solve complex tasks. 
• Speaking, reading and technical writing proficiency in Bulgarian.
• Good communication skills and excellent technical writing skills in English. 

 
Desirable skills and experience:

• Background in civil/structural engineering. 
• Experience on a team lead role. 
• Interest in ground investigation works and their specification, as well as hydrogeological studies. 
• Programming skills / automation of modelling and processing. 
• Keen interest in research and tackling new challenging tasks within projects’ timeframes. 
• Keen interest in participation in scientific conferences and preparation of journal articles. 
• Chartership in relevant engineering institute (such as ICE in the UK or KIIP in Bulgaria) or active work towards receiving it.

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. 

Equality, diversity, and inclusion 

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

Agile working 

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 25 days per year annual leave
• Life insurance
• An annual professional institution subscription (certification at NAFEMS or equivalent) 
• Annual company performance bonus scheme – subject to Company performance 
• Continuous development opportunities – because we want you to thrive   
• Wellbeing support including access to an independent Employer Assistance Scheme, wellbeing champions and access to learning and support resources 
• The opportunity to make a difference; learn more about our social outcomes

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.