Geotechnical Engineer - Earthworks & CQA
CV-LibraryWarringtonpermanentPosted: 31 March 2026
Apply NowGeotechnical Engineer – Earthworks & CQA
Location: Manchester
Salary: £45,000 per annum + Company Vehicle (DOE)
Contract: Permanent | Full-Time
The Opportunity
We’re recruiting a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to take a leading role in the technical assurance and Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) of major earthworks, remediation and quarry-related projects across the North West.
This is a hands-on, site-facing engineering role with real ownership. You’ll act as the technical authority on earthworks quality, overseeing construction activities, verification and sign-off in line with design intent, planning conditions and Environment Agency requirements.
The role suits an experienced geotechnical or civil engineer who enjoys being on site, close to the work, and wants to move away from pure consultancy into an embedded, delivery-focused position with long-term projects.
Key Responsibilities
· Act as CQA lead for earthworks, ground engineering and remediation activities
· Provide technical oversight of:
o Bulk earthworks and engineered fills
o Ground improvement and stabilisation
o Landfill cells, lining systems and capping works
o Quarry restoration and development works
· Ensure construction is delivered in accordance with:
o Approved designs and specifications
o CQA plans and method statements
o Planning and Environment Agency permit requirements
· Oversee and review field and laboratory testing (e.g. compaction, permeability, materials testing)
· Identify non-conformances, agree corrective actions and support resolution on site
· Produce and contribute to:
o CQA documentation
o Validation and verification reports
o Technical records for regulatory submission
· Liaise with contractors, designers, consultants and regulators as the site-based engineering lead
What We’re Looking For
· Degree-qualified in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering or related discipline
· Strong background in earthworks, ground engineering, remediation or quarrying
· Experience working under CQA / QA frameworks on construction or infrastructure projects
· Solid understanding of geotechnical principles, materials and testing regimes
· Comfortable operating as the technical decision-maker on site
· Strong reporting and communication skills
· Willingness to travel across multiple North West sites
Desirable (not essential):
· Chartership (CEng, CGeol, CEnv or working towards)
· Previous involvement in projects regulated by the Environment Agency
· Background in landfill engineering, waste infrastructure or restoration works
Why This Role
· Genuine technical ownership, not just inspection
· Long-term, repeat projects – not short consultancy commissions
· Opportunity to be nominated as a competent person for CQA activities (subject to EA acceptance)
· Strong pipeline of work across the North West
· Visible role with influence over how projects are delivered
Commutable from: Warrington, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Widnes, St Helens, Wigan
If you’re an experienced geotechnical engineer who wants to own quality on site and see projects through from groundworks to sign-off, we’d love to speak to you.
About McCarthy Recruitment
This role is managed by McCarthy Recruitment, an award-winning multi-sector recruiter specialising in engineering, infrastructure and environmental roles
Location: Manchester
Salary: £45,000 per annum + Company Vehicle (DOE)
Contract: Permanent | Full-Time
The Opportunity
We’re recruiting a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to take a leading role in the technical assurance and Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) of major earthworks, remediation and quarry-related projects across the North West.
This is a hands-on, site-facing engineering role with real ownership. You’ll act as the technical authority on earthworks quality, overseeing construction activities, verification and sign-off in line with design intent, planning conditions and Environment Agency requirements.
The role suits an experienced geotechnical or civil engineer who enjoys being on site, close to the work, and wants to move away from pure consultancy into an embedded, delivery-focused position with long-term projects.
Key Responsibilities
· Act as CQA lead for earthworks, ground engineering and remediation activities
· Provide technical oversight of:
o Bulk earthworks and engineered fills
o Ground improvement and stabilisation
o Landfill cells, lining systems and capping works
o Quarry restoration and development works
· Ensure construction is delivered in accordance with:
o Approved designs and specifications
o CQA plans and method statements
o Planning and Environment Agency permit requirements
· Oversee and review field and laboratory testing (e.g. compaction, permeability, materials testing)
· Identify non-conformances, agree corrective actions and support resolution on site
· Produce and contribute to:
o CQA documentation
o Validation and verification reports
o Technical records for regulatory submission
· Liaise with contractors, designers, consultants and regulators as the site-based engineering lead
What We’re Looking For
· Degree-qualified in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering or related discipline
· Strong background in earthworks, ground engineering, remediation or quarrying
· Experience working under CQA / QA frameworks on construction or infrastructure projects
· Solid understanding of geotechnical principles, materials and testing regimes
· Comfortable operating as the technical decision-maker on site
· Strong reporting and communication skills
· Willingness to travel across multiple North West sites
Desirable (not essential):
· Chartership (CEng, CGeol, CEnv or working towards)
· Previous involvement in projects regulated by the Environment Agency
· Background in landfill engineering, waste infrastructure or restoration works
Why This Role
· Genuine technical ownership, not just inspection
· Long-term, repeat projects – not short consultancy commissions
· Opportunity to be nominated as a competent person for CQA activities (subject to EA acceptance)
· Strong pipeline of work across the North West
· Visible role with influence over how projects are delivered
Commutable from: Warrington, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Widnes, St Helens, Wigan
If you’re an experienced geotechnical engineer who wants to own quality on site and see projects through from groundworks to sign-off, we’d love to speak to you.
About McCarthy Recruitment
This role is managed by McCarthy Recruitment, an award-winning multi-sector recruiter specialising in engineering, infrastructure and environmental roles