CDM - Principal Design Engineer

Jacobs; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs in Reading is looking for a CDM specialist to influence major infrastructure projects across the UK. You will be responsible for embedding safety and governance into the design process, guiding project teams from concept to delivery.

The ideal candidate will have established knowledge of CDM 2015, experience in a CDM advisory role, and the confidence to lead and collaborate effectively. Jacobs promotes a hybrid working model, encouraging flexible working arrangements while prioritizing in-person interactions.

Qualifications

• Established practical knowledge of CDM 2015.
• Experience in a Principal Designer or CDM advisory role.
• Background in construction, engineering, or health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Be the CDM expert across multiple projects.
• Help create a culture of safer design.
• Lead integration of governance and compliance.
• Support and develop project teams.
• Build strong relationships with clients.
• Drive continuous improvement in CDM practices.

Skills

CDM 2015 knowledge

Influencing skills

Collaboration

Project management

Education

NEBOSH certification or equivalent

Job description

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing.

Your impact

Looking for a role where your expertise actually changes outcomes? We’re growing. The projects are getting bigger. The impact is real. At Jacobs, you won’t just advise on CDM—you’ll shape how safety is built into major infrastructure projects from day one. You’ll work closely with clients, influence design decisions early, and make a real impact on how projects are delivered across the UK.

What you’ll get

• Real influence – help remove risk at design stage, not just report it
• High‑impact projects – work across water, infrastructure, and environmental programmes
• Autonomy & trust – be the expert people turn to
• Career growth – build your profile as a go‑to CDM specialist
• A team that gets it – collaborative, experienced, and supportive

Your remit

• Be the CDM expert across multiple projects—guiding teams from concept to delivery
• Help create and embed a culture of safer design, where risks are identified early and addressed as standard practice
• Lead the integration of governance and compliance into every phase of CDM through robust audits and reviews
• Support and develop project teams in fulfilling their CDM roles, building capability and confidence
• Build strong relationships—become a trusted advisor to clients
• Drive continuous improvement, using insights from audits and project experience to strengthen CDM practices across the business
• Strengthen client maturity in CDM, supporting them to move beyond compliance towards best‑in‑class safety leadership

Here’s what you’ll need

• An established practical knowledge of CDM 2015
• Experience in a Principal Designer / CDM advisory role
• Confidence to challenge, influence, and collaborate
• A background in construction, engineering, or H&S
• NEBOSH (or equivalent)

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations, enabling them to deliver their best work.