Engineer (Highways Assets)

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is seeking a qualified engineer to manage highways and drainage maintenance across the borough, including iconic bridges. You will lead end-to-end projects, supervise site works and liaise with TfL, developers and residents to apply sustainable design wherever possible.

A UK driving licence is preferable and a degree in a technical subject is required. The role is based in the borough with site visits across Greater London, offering professional

Qualifications

• Qualified engineer with highway/infrastructure scheme experience.
• Experience supervising on-site works and coordinating multiple tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver planned and reactive maintenance to bridges and drainage.
• Work on iconic structures such as Chelsea and Albert Bridges.
• Ensure road drainage meets high standards and is well maintained.
• Manage projects end to end: scoping, cost estimation, contracting and delivery.
• Carry out site inspections, assess conditions and supervise installations.

Skills

Highways maintenance planning

Project management

Site supervision

Stakeholder communication

Microsoft Office

Education

HNC or degree in a relevant technical subject

Tools

Digital systems

Job description

Job Description

Help maintain and protect the borough’s highways, bridges and drainage systems – keeping our streets safe and connected every day. This is a role where your engineering expertise will directly improve daily life for thousands of residents, workers and visitors. From iconic bridges to vital drainage systems, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our borough moving and safe.

Working Style

You’ll be based in the Borough at least 3 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Due to the nature of the role much of your time will be split between the office and other sites across the borough, combining a mixture of desk‑based duties and site inspections. Whether you’re working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents’ lives.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You’ll join our Highways Assets team, where you’ll take ownership of the planning and delivery of both planned and reactive maintenance to our bridges and drainage systems.
• This includes working on some of London’s most recognisable structures, including Chelsea and Albert Bridges.
• You’ll ensure everyday road drainage infrastructure is kept to a high standard.
• You’ll manage your own projects end to end, from scoping and estimating costs to commissioning contractors and overseeing delivery.
• You’ll carry out regular site inspections, assess conditions, supervise installations and make sure everything is completed to specification, on time and within budget.
• Working with a wide range of partners – from TfL to private developers and residents you’ll represent the Council in both day‑to‑day work and in professional forums like the London Bridge Engineers Group.
• You’ll also review designs from developers and other internal teams, giving clear, practical advice and looking for opportunities to implement sustainable design where possible.

What You’ll Bring

• You’re a qualified engineer, ideally with a HNC or degree in a relevant technical subject, and you’ve already managed highway or infrastructure schemes from start to finish.
• You’re comfortable supervising works on site, keeping accurate records, and managing multiple tasks at once, whether you're out inspecting a bridge or responding to public enquiries.
• You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office and digital systems and bring clear communication skills – both written and verbal, to explain technical issues to a range of stakeholders.
• You’re someone who builds strong relationships, manages expectations with tact and professionalism, and thrives in a collaborative, cross‑functional working environment.
• A full UK driving licence is preferable, as a Council vehicle will be provided for site visits.

Why join us

• We’ll support you with professional development opportunities, flexible working options and a clear path for career growth.
• You’ll receive a competitive salary and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your work directly contributes to public safety and the borough’s long‑term resilience.
• New hires will start at the minimum of the advertised salary range.
• Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale.
• In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.

About Us

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.

As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.

In this role, you’ll get stuck in from day one, solving problems on site, advising colleagues, planning essential maintenance or managing contractor relationships. Whether it’s preserving heritage bridges or preventing road flooding, your efforts will be visible, appreciated and long‑lasting.

Interview Details

Interviews for this position will be held in person at our offices in Pembroke Road (W8) during week commencing 7th December 2026.

Ready to join us?

We’re all in – are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.

We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices. New hires will start at the minimum of the advertised salary range. Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale. In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.