Principal Civil Engineer

Overview:

We are recruiting for an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to join a growing engineering and design team in Wakefield, working on major projects across the UK water and wastewater sector. This Principal Civil Engineer position is suited to a senior Civil Engineer with strong water industry design experience and the ability to take ownership of complex engineering solutions.

As Principal Civil Engineer, you will report into the Design Manager and provide technical leadership across the design function, while also leading and mentoring junior engineers and providing cover for the Design Manager when required. The role offers the opportunity for a Principal Civil Engineer to combine hands-on technical delivery with team leadership, professional development and involvement in a varied portfolio of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work as the Principal Civil Engineer leading the delivery of civil engineering designs across water and wastewater projects.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and support to engineers and wider design team members.
• Lead, mentor and develop junior engineers, helping to build technical capability within the team.
• Support the Design Manager and provide cover for the Design Manager when required.
• Review designs, calculations and technical documentation to ensure appropriate quality and compliance.
• Develop practical, cost-effective and constructible engineering solutions from concept through to detailed design.
• Work closely with project delivery teams, clients, consultants and other stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Support design risk management, CDM compliance and continuous improvement across the engineering function.

Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant professional institution such as ICE, or be close to achieving Chartered status.
• Demonstrable civil engineering design experience within the UK water sector.
• Previous experience working as a Principal Civil Engineer, Senior Civil Engineer or in a similar senior design position.
• Experience across water and/or wastewater projects, ideally including treatment works, drainage, clean water networks, rising mains, sewer separation or associated infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of relevant water industry standards and specifications, including CESWI and WIMES.
• Good understanding of CDM Regulations, design risk management and relevant quality, environmental and information management procedures.
• Sound knowledge of civil and hydraulic design principles, including the ability to undertake manual calculations where required.
• Experience leading engineers within a design environment, with strong communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible working hours to support a positive work-life balance.
• 4 days office-based with 1 day working remotely.
• Support for ongoing professional development and progression towards Chartered status where applicable.
• Opportunity for a Principal Civil Engineer to work on major UK water and wastewater projects within a collaborative and growing engineering team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Chartered or nearly Chartered Principal Civil Engineer with strong UK water sector experience to take on a senior technical and leadership position — apply now to find out more.