Average Principal Engineer salary in the UK

Principal Geotechnical EngineerReference: BY207933Location: ReadingSalary: £40,000 - £48,000.An exciting opportunity for an experienced geotechnical engineer looking for a new position in the ground investigation and/or design field, has presented itself. This environmental engineering consultancy, based near Reading, work on a large variety of geo-environmental and geotechnical projects and can provide the resources and support to expand your skills and develop your career.The Principal Geotechnical Engineer position offers:A competitive salary of £40,000 - £48,000, depending on experience.Varied projects and varied responsibilities day-to-day.Client facing for networking opportunities.Fantastic Continued Professional Development opportunities.Company pension scheme and company benefits.The Principal Geotechnical Engineer selected will have a range of responsibilities. This includes:Overseeing site investigationsFactual and interpretive report writing & reviewingCommunicating with clientsMentoring junior team membersContributing to bidding & tenderingWorking with the team to develop new business and expand the teamTo be considered for this Principal Geotechnical Engineer position you should have extensive experience in the geotechnical industry as an engineer or consultant. You must have a degree in a subject relevant to the position, for example geology, earth sciences, environmental engineering or geoscience. A Full UK Driving Licence and a full right to work in the UK is essential. Candidates must live in or near to Reading and be/working towards chartership.If you are interested in this or other Geotechnical Engineering/Consulting roles please do not hesitate to contact Beth Young on . We have many more vacancies available on our website. Please refer to This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer - GlasgowRef: BY216221Salary: £46,000 - £54,000A leading, long-established multidisciplinary engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join its growing team in Glasgow. With extensive industry experience, this independent firm delivers specialist solutions across geotechnical, environmental, mining and land development sectors, supporting projects from initial investigation through to design and construction.As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you will lead technically challenging projects, oversee site investigations, and provide expert design recommendations. The Principal Geotechnical Engineer will play a key role in managing project delivery, mentoring junior staff, and maintaining strong client relationships while ensuring high-quality, cost-effective solutions.What's on offer:Competitive salary (£46,000 - £54,000) and benefits packageOpportunity to work on varied, technically complex projectsSupportive, close-knit consultancy environmentClear progression to senior leadershipRole responsibilities:Lead geotechnical investigations, reporting, and designOversee foundation design, slope stability and earthworksManage projects from planning through to constructionProvide technical guidance and client-facing supportRequirements:Proven experience in a senior or Principal Geotechnical Engineer positionStrong technical background in ground investigation and designDegree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or relatedFull UK driving licenceFull right to work in the UKMust live in or near Glasgow or be willing to relocateThis is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer looking to take the next step with a respected consultancy in Glasgow.If you are interested in this or other Geo-Environmental/Geotechnical roles please do not hesitate to contact Beth Young on . We have many more vacancies available on our website. Please refer to This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position

Principal Design EngineerLocation: Southampton – hybrid, 3 days per week on-siteSalary: £70-75K+ (neg) plus excellent benefits package. More may be available for the right candidate.A relocation package and Visa/Sponsorship support is available for this role if required.About the OpportunityOur client is a fast-growing maritime technology business developing wind-assisted propulsion systems that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping.They are now looking to appoint a Principal Design Engineer to join their growing engineering team. This is a hands-on role with broad involvement across the design lifecycle, from concept development through to detailed design and production-ready hardware.Working closely with the Head of Engineering, you will take ownership of key subsystems, helping to deliver designs that are robust, manufacturable, compliant, and ready for real-world use. This is an excellent opportunity to join a mission-driven business developing real climate-impact technology in a highly innovative environment and would suit someone genuinely motivated by sustainability and the opportunity to contribute to cleaner shipping.Key RequirementsWe are looking for an experienced Mechanical / Structural / Marine Engineer with strong expertise in marine structural design, analysis, and classification-led approval.You should bring:Degree qualification in Naval, Mechanical, Structural, or Marine EngineeringAround 5-10 years’ experience designing marine structures approved by classification societiesStrong proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar 3D CAD tools Strong experience in structural analysis, including FEA and hand calculationsProven experience translating load cases into robust design requirements and validated structures Experience working directly with classification societies and supporting technical approval Experience with DNV, LR, NK or similar bodies Strong understanding of DFMA, structural integrity, and manufacturability Solution-driven approach Comfortable working in a fast-paced, chaotic environment Desirable experience includes:Experience in fatigue, buckling, and large welded structuresExposure to aero-structural systems or other performance-led structural design Experience validating models against real-world dataKnowledge of structural testing, validation, and manufacturing techniquesRole & ResponsibilitiesAs Principal Design Engineer, you will lead the design and structural development of key product subsystems, ensuring they meet performance, compliance, and delivery requirements.Responsibilities will include:Leading the mechanical design of subsystems in line with programme objectives Owning the development of wing geometry, balancing performance, structural integrity, and manufacturabilityDeveloping and managing load cases across classification and real-world operating conditions Translating load cases into clear design requirementsDefining structural design philosophy and ensuring compliance with classification standards Performing and overseeing structural analysis and design verification Developing and improving in-house structural analysis tools and methodsLeading technical engagement with classification societiesActing as the internal authority for stress and fatigue analysisSupporting and reviewing the work of more junior engineers where appropriate Promoting high standards of engineering integrity, safety, and sustainabilityWhy Join?This is a rare opportunity to join a business developing real-world clean technology for the global shipping market.You will benefit from:Working on real climate-impact hardwareHigh levels of ownership within a small engineering team Broad exposure from concept through to productionThe opportunity to grow and progress with the business as the technology scales