Lead Subsurface Engineer

Lead Subsurface Engineer

London, UK (Hybrid)

Our client is delivering a large-scale pumped storage hydro scheme in the UK. They are seeking a Lead Subsurface Engineer to lead subsurface activities from inception through to operations.

Acting as the company’s technical lead on ground-related engineering matters, the role will lead and assure the investigation, design, construction and verification of all underground and geotechnical works , including tunnels, shafts, adits, portals, and the foundations of the dams, intakes/outfalls and associated structures.

The role sits within the client technical team, with the works being carried out by EPC contractors. The role will ensure that ground risk is identified, understood and actively managed through appropriate design and construction throughout the project lifecycle.

The Company

Our client is one of the UK's leading Independent Power Producers who are developing and building cutting-edge large-scale Energy Storage (BESS, Pumped Storage Hydro, Green H2, Gas Peaker) projects across the UK, Spain, and Germany, with pumped storage hydro as a major focus.

Since their foundation in 2016, our client has successfully delivered 2+ GW of grid balancing assets and has a significant pipeline of 15+ GW. With robust financial backing, the business is set to deliver a further 7 GW of assets by 2030.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the client’s technical lead on engineering geology, geotechnical, rock engineering, tunnelling and hydrogeological matters, owning the ground risk register and geotechnical baseline.
• Provide client assurance and review of ground investigation scopes, factual and interpretative reports, ground models, Geotechnical Baseline Reports and Geotechnical Design Reports.
• Review consultant and contractor subsurface designs, including tunnel and shaft linings, cavern support, dam and structure foundations, seepage control, grouting and groundwater control.
• Plan and support ground investigation campaigns and tender packages, and lead tender evaluation and negotiation for ground investigation and underground works.
• Lead client assurance of subsurface construction, reviewing face mapping, excavation and support records and monitoring data, and applying the observational method and trigger action response plans.
• Represent the client with designers, contractors and regulators, manage interfaces with civil, structural and electrical disciplines, and oversee verification and closeout of subsurface works.

Experience & Qualifications

• 15+ years in subsurface engineering on hydropower, tunnelling or comparable major infrastructure in energy, transport or utilities.
• At least one full design and build lifecycle, from ground investigation to closeout, ideally including client-side assurance.
• Experience preparing employer's requirements, Geotechnical Baseline Reports and underground works tender packages.
• Practical knowledge of drill and blast, sprayed concrete lining, cast-in-situ lining and waterproofing.
• Chartered status (CEng or CGeol) and a relevant MEng or MSc. RoGEP registration and an NEC or project management qualification would be a plus.

Benefits

• A senior client-side role on a major UK energy infrastructure scheme.
• A clear path into large-scale pumped hydro and wider generation projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, click 'apply now' or fill out your details below. For more information on this role, contact Sara Llugiqi at [email protected]

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