Principal Highways Infrastructure Engineer

Fairhurst; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Highways / Infrastructure Engineer to lead the design and delivery of highway projects. The role involves managing projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and engaging with clients and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Civil Engineering, relevant chartered status, and proficiency in design software. The position offers competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative working environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible benefits package

Contributory pension

Personal health care plan

Life insurance

33 days annual leave including public holidays

Bonus schemes including loyalty bonus

Interest-free travel loan

Qualifications

• Strong experience in the design and delivery of road and highway projects in the UK.
• Proficiency with relevant software is essential.
• Confident communicator with client-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of highway and infrastructure projects.
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure all deliverables meet quality and compliance standards.

Skills

Project management

Client engagement

Communication

Team leadership

Technical governance

Understanding of UK standards

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Chartered or near-chartered status (CEng MICE or equivalent)

Tools

Civil 3D

OpenRoads

MX

MicroDrainage

Job description

Principal Highways / Infrastructure Engineer

Huddersfield

About Fairhurst LLP – At Fairhurst, our people are the driving force behind our success. We take pride in the opportunities and environment we create for top talent to thrive and leave a positive impact in our communities and society.

Fairhurst is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships

Role Overview –ThePrincipal Highways/Infrastructure Engineer will join our growing Roads & Infrastructure team. ThePrincipal Highways/Infrastructure Engineer will lead the design and delivery of highway and infrastructure projects, while supporting junior staff and contributing to project management, client engagement, and technical excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical & Design

• Develop conceptual and detailed designs of development infrastructure and highway using DMRB, Manual for Streets, and relevant national standards.
• Prepare detailed design drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
• Oversee modelling and analysis for horizontal and vertical alignment, pavement design, and traffic-related aspects.
• Ensure all deliverables meet quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Review and approve work completed by engineers and technicians.
• Manage projects from feasibility through to construction stages.
• Develop and maintain project programmes, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Prepare fee proposals and support bid submissions.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, internal departments, and external stakeholders.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a primary point of contact for clients, local authorities, and external partners.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and site visits as required.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships to support business development.
• Attend and contribute as appropriate atdesignmeetingsandsiteprogressmeetings.

Quality and Compliance

• Providetechnicalgovernanceonprojectstoensureatechnicallyexcellentdeliveryinaccordancewiththeclient’sbrief.
• LiaisewithStatutorybodiesandconsulteessuchaslocalauthorities,TransportScotland,NatureScot,SEPA
• Management, guidance, mentoring, and support of junior engineers and technicians within project teams to ensure quality of design output and management of deliverables to a specified budget and programme.
• Contribute to team development, knowledge sharing, and best practice initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Chartered or near-chartered status (CEng MICE or equivalent).
• Strong experience in the design and delivery of road and highway projects in the UK.
• Proficiency with software such as Civil 3D, OpenRoads, MX, MicroDrainage (or equivalent).
• Excellent understanding of UK standards including DMRB and Manual for Streets.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Confident communicator with experience in client-facing roles.
• Ability to lead teams and coordinate multidisciplinary inputs.
• Experience with active travel and public realm schemes.
• Understanding of SuDS, drainage strategies, and environmental considerations.
• Experience working with local authorities and national agencies.
• Knowledge of procurement routes and NEC contract administration.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A collaborative, partner‑led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
• Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
• A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding engineering.
• Competitive salary and excellent flexible benefits package
• Contributory pension, personal health care plan and life insurance
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy-back scheme
• Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus and qualifications award
• Interest-free travel loan

You can learn more about our staff benefitshere.

ETHOS

We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That’s why we’re working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry.

We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to [e-mail] stating the role and office you are applying to. For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website .