Head – Geotechnical Engineering

Location: Chennai, TN, India
Department: Engineering

Job Description

Reporting To : COO

The Head – Geotechnical Engineering will lead and grow the geotechnical engineering capability within the organization. The role is responsible for technical leadership, project delivery, team development, and business growth across infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects.

This position will ensure robust, safe, and cost-effective geotechnical solutions, aligned with international standards and best practices, while supporting multidisciplinary project execution.

1. Technical Leadership

• Lead geotechnical design activities including:
  • Site investigations and geotechnical interpretation
  • Foundation engineering (shallow & deep foundations)
  • Slope stability and retaining structures
  • Ground improvement techniques
  • Underground structures (tunnels, shafts)
• Provide expert guidance on complex soil-structure interaction problems
• Ensure compliance with international standards (Eurocode, BS, ASTM, IS codes, etc.)
• Establish and maintain design standards, methodologies, and QA/QC processes

2. Project Delivery

• Oversee geotechnical scope across multidisciplinary engineering projects
• Ensure delivery within schedule, budget, and quality requirements
• Lead technical reviews, design validations, and risk assessments
• Coordinate with civil, structural, and construction teams
• Support site teams during construction for geotechnical issues

3. Team Leadership & Development

• Build and manage a high-performing geotechnical team
• Mentor engineers and develop technical capabilities
• Drive recruitment, training, and succession planning
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement

4. Innovation & Digital Engineering

• Promote use of advanced geotechnical analysis tools (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, MIDAS)
• Encourage adoption of BIM and digital engineering workflows
• Drive innovation in sustainable geotechnical solutions and risk optimization

5. Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards
• Identify and mitigate technical and project risks
• Ensure proper documentation, approvals, and audit compliance
• Support internal quality and governance frameworks

Qualifications

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related discipline from a recognised institution

Experience

• 15–20+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering consultancy
• Proven experience in delivering complex infrastructure or energy projects
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and large-scale projects
• Exposure to international design standards and global projects preferred

Key Skills

• Advanced geotechnical analysis and design
• Soil-structure interaction expertise
• Project and team leadership
• Client engagement and commercial awareness
• Risk management and problem-solving
• Proficiency in geotechnical software tools

Additional Information

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.

Company Description

Company Description

Assystem provides engineering, project management and digital services to optimise the performance and safety of critical infrastructure throughout its lifecycle.

The company first came to India having acquired Stup Consultants Pvt Ltd in 2021 and L&TIEL in 2024. The company combines its globally recognised expertise in complex project management, with deep-rooted local experience cross full spectrum of infrastructure – from energy, transportation and urban development to water. Today, Assystem has a strong community of 1,500+ multidiscipline engineering experts connected across 8 offices in India.

The Assystem Group is one of the world’s leading independent nuclear engineering companies, ranked among the top three globally, with 60 years of experience in complex and highly regulated environments. With 8,000 experts across 13 countries, Assystem supports the development of low-carbon energy.