Principal Highways & Infrastructure Engineer

London Source: WhatJobs

See advert for pay

Overview

In this Principal Engineer role, you lead highway and drainage design within a growing highways team, supporting delivery from feasibility through detailed design. You work closely with private and public clients to secure approvals and ensure safe, efficient project outcomes. You mentor junior staff, manage project performance, and represent the firm at senior client-facing levels. The position combines technical leadership with business delivery, shaping major highway infrastructure for the South of England. You will be empowered to innovate, manage risk, and drive project success across multiple initiatives.

Pay / Benefits

Hybrid working
Flexi time
Bonus scheme
Private healthcare
Car/car allowance
Wide range of flexible benefits

Responsibilities

Oversee financial, technical, and project management aspects of civil engineering deliverables
Direct and develop Engineers and Technicians on projects
Lead highway and drainage design efforts ensuring compliance with standards (Local Design Guides, MFS, DMRB)
Produce and coordinate technical packages, drawings, and applications
Coordinate AutoCAD and Civil 3D models and drawings with the project team
Liaise with clients and design teams to ensure fully coordinated designs
Prepare technical outputs (drawings, specifications, cost estimates, contract documents, reports)
Prepare scopes, briefs, proposals, and deliverables for new projects
Demonstrate leadership and mentor junior colleagues
Identify and maintain client relationships; take commercial responsibility for projects
Ensure on-time, on-budget, quality delivery and conformance to contractual requirements
Present to clients and stakeholders; represent the company externally at senior levels
Perform site visits to monitor progress and address issues with contractors or clients

Key requirements

Civil Engineering experience in a consultancy environment
Experience delivering highway and drainage design including S278/38 processes
Hands-on highway design experience on major and minor projects; solid design principles
Knowledge of DMRB, MCHW, MfS, TSM, Local Authority guides
Strong understanding of health and safety, CDM principles
Proficient IT skills with AutoCAD/Civil 3D and related civil engineering software
Project management experience with responsibility for financial aspects of projects
Ability to propose innovative, value-driven solutions
Excellent communication skills with clients and internal teams
Experience in line managing and mentoring delivery teams
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse design teams and stakeholders
Strong technical report writing and fee proposal preparation