Principal Engineer & Highways & Drainage

Cibsejournal; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal/Senior Civil Engineer to join their growing Infrastructure team in London. In this role, you will oversee development infrastructure projects, focusing on highways and drainage design. Candidates should have strong experience in UK consultancy, be familiar with relevant standards, and be comfortable engaging with clients. The company offers competitive salary, hybrid working options, and strong support for professional development.

Benefits

25+ days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Private healthcare options

Professional membership fees paid

Full chartership support

Flexible working arrangements

Regular CPD sessions

Qualifications

• Senior or Principal Civil Engineer in UK consultancy.
• Experience in highways and drainage design.
• Familiarity with UK standards (DMRB, MfS, SuDS guidance).

Responsibilities

• Design, deliver, and coordinate development infrastructure schemes.
• Lead design teams on medium to large-scale developments.
• Liaise with clients, architects, local authorities, and stakeholders.

Skills

Highways and junction design

Drainage design

Civil 3D

MicroDrainage / InfoDrainage

Client engagement

Chartered Engineer (ICE/CIHT)

Job description

Principal / Senior Civil Engineer – Highways & Drainage

Leeds | £50,000 – £60,000 + Benefits

(Leading UK Civil & Structural Consultancy – Name Redacted)

We’re supporting a long‑established, multi‑disciplinary engineering consultancy in Leeds with the appointment of a Principal / Senior Civil Engineer to join their growing Infrastructure team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced civil engineer looking to take ownership of projects, mentor junior staff, and play a key technical role within a highly respected consultancy.

The Role

You will work across a wide range of development infrastructure schemes, taking responsibility for the design, delivery and coordination of:

• Highways and junction design, access strategies and estate roads
• Drainage design, including SuDS, surface water and foul networks
• Section 278, 38, 104 and 106 design and submission work
• Earthworks, levels design and cut/fill assessments
• Technical reports, strategy documents and design calculations
• Leading and supporting design teams on medium to large‑scale developments
• Liaising with clients, architects, local authorities and external stakeholders
• Contributing to internal QA processes and technical leadership across the team

About the Consultancy (Name Redacted)

A forward‑thinking UK engineering practice known for:

• Strong technical delivery across civil and structural engineering
• A collaborative, people‑focused culture with a national reputation
• Modern digital design environment using Civil 3D, MicroDrainage / InfoDrainage and BIM workflows
• A broad project portfolio including residential, commercial, education, mixed‑use and urban regeneration
• Clear career progression for Senior and Principal Engineers, including support toward technical specialism or line leadership

What We’re Looking For

• Background as a Senior or Principal Civil Engineer in UK consultancy
• Strong experience in both highways and drainage design
• Proficient in Civil 3D and MicroDrainage / InfoDrainage
• Strong understanding of UK standards (DMRB, MfS, SuDS guidance, Building Regulations, DCG etc.)
• Experience leading design packages and reviewing work of junior staff
• Comfortable engaging with clients and managing multiple workstreams
• Working toward or already chartered (ICE / CIHT)

Salary & Benefits

• £50,000 – £60,000 depending on experience
• 25+ days annual leave + bank holidays
• Hybrid working options (varies by team)
• Pension scheme
• Private healthcare options
• Professional membership fees paid
• Full chartership support (mentorship, training and structured pathways)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Regular CPD sessions and internal technical development
• Friendly, supportive office culture with strong social engagement