Geotechnical Engineer
Vacancy: Geotechnical Engineer
A mission that matters
To achieve its climates goals, the Netherlands is committed to achieving carbon-free electricity. Nuclear Energy Organisation Netherlands (NEO NL) contributes to this by building and operating two new nuclear power plants, on behalf of the government. It is one of the most ambitious energy projects the Netherlands has ever seen. At NEO NL, your work will directly contribute to this national ambition and make an impact that lasts for decades. To make this assignment a success, we need extraordinary people. People like you.
For the start-up phase of NEO NL, we are looking for: Geotechnical Engineer
Your assignment
In this role, you will work on one or more sub-projects to enable the construction of the new nuclear power plants at a location to be determined. You will also serve as a strategic sparring partner for the project managers within the "owner scope" (covering non-nuclear, construction-related civil topics).
Your key activities include:
Geotechnical Design & Preparation: Provide input and support the preparation and conceptual designs for ground investigations and geotechnical works—including construction pits, excavations, complex foundations, and embankments—while balancing technical feasibility, safety, sustainability, and legislation.
Site Infrastructure Support: Support designs for site preparation, roads, rail links, port facilities, and other physical structures (such as temporary accommodations, restaurants, and office buildings).
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Actively collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and with external stakeholders (such as municipalities and utility companies) to ensure project deliverables meet all expectations.
Project Control & QA/QC: Monitor and safeguard the progress of procedures, scheduling, risk management, and QA/QC implementation across your designated sub-projects.
Technical Documentation: Draft and maintain detailed technical reports, project plans, and progress documentation.
Vendor & Tender Support: Contribute to and review scopes of work for external geotechnical advisors and engineering firms. Support the execution, evaluation, and guidance of tenders, proposals, and contract negotiations.
Risk & Problem Solving: Proactively identify potential risks and challenges within sub-projects, develop mitigation strategies, and resolve technical or organizational issues during design and execution.
Your background and experience
- A Bachelor’s degree (HBO), preferably a Master’s degree (WO), in Civil Engineering.
- 6 to 8 years of work experience with large and complex logistical infrastructure projects (such as road construction and/or maritime infrastructure).
- Proven track record of active involvement (minimum 2 years) in at least one major project with a volume of €50–100 million or more.
- Hands-on experience in preparing and executing ground investigations and determining soil parameters in close cooperation with external geotechnical advisory and research firms.
- Direct experience in the design of construction pits (bouwkuipen), complex foundations, groundwater calculations, dewatering systems (bemalingen), and soil flows.
- Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken.
We also value if you have:
Experience managing, guiding, and reviewing the deliverables of external engineering and consultancy firms.
Experience designing and realizing structures in accordance with strict QA/QC methodologies within a highly regulated environment.
Proficiency in standard software and tools for construction and infrastructure projects (such as BIM, GIS, etc.), alongside advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills for technical analyses and visual presentations.
Experience designing according to specifications similar to Systems Engineering frameworks.
Proficiency in AutoCAD is a strong plus.
Competencies
At NEO NL, everyone needs four core competencies to be successful: Learning Agility, Collaboration, Responsibility, and Communication. For this role, we additionally look for:
Analytical & Conceptual Thinking: A sharp analytical mindset that enables you to quickly fathom, deconstruct, and solve complex geotechnical and structural challenges.
Creative Problem-Solving: A practical, creative thinker who can translate technical constraints and complex soil parameters into functional, on-site solutions.
Curiosity & Adaptability: Driven by an innate curiosity to learn, with the flexibility to thrive and pivot within a highly dynamic, evolving project environment.
What we offer
A strong and committed team – Become part of a diverse and ambitious team of 100 professionals who share a common goal and mission.
A culture of trust and ownership – We believe in responsibility, collaboration, open communication, and a safe working environment.
Dynamic environment – Experience the energy of building a new organisation step by step, and two nuclear power plants that will help the Netherlands for many decades from now.
About the organisation
NEO NL is a state-owned company. Our mission is clear: deliver long-lasting nuclear energy solutions that support the Dutch ambition of climate neutrality. With unmatched standards of quality and safety, and driven by deep expertise and responsibility, we are creating a resilient energy system while advancing nuclear knowledge for generations to come.
At NEO NL, you won’t just have a job, you will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to ensure the Netherlands becomes less dependent of fossils fuel, and to have clean and reliable energy for generations to come. You will be part of an ambitious, supportive, and international team, working at the forefront of policy, technology, and society.
This is your chance to make history. Join us and be part of something that lasts.
Want to know more?
Please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist, Dominique Pichard, at d.pichard@minezk.nl
For more information, visit: www.neonl.com
Unsolicited approaches or acquisition by recruitment agencies in response to this job posting will not be accepted.
