Engineer - Highways Projects

Blackburn with Darwen Council; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackburn with Darwen Council is seeking an Engineer to join the Highways Projects team within the Growth department. You will apply Highway design expertise to feasibility, concept and detailed designs and work on schemes delivered through Section 278 and Section 106 agreements.

You will use AutoCAD and related tools, coordinate with partners, and ensure designs meet safety, quality and budget requirements across active travel, road safety and bus infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Experience of highway design with evidence of delivering high quality outcomes.
• Knowledge of current highway legislation and Design Manual for Roads and Bridges where relevant.
• Knowledge of highway maintenance practices and network management requirements.
• Experience with AutoCAD and related design packages.
• Ability to analyse complex technical information and develop practical solutions.
• Experience in project planning, budgets, procurement and delivery.
• Understanding of Health and Safety and CDM requirements.
• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Preparing feasibility studies, concept designs, preliminary designs and detailed designs for highway improvement and maintenance schemes.
• Producing AutoCAD drawings, specifications, cost estimates, programmes and contract documents.
• Supporting the delivery of active travel, road safety, traffic signal, bus infrastructure and related schemes.
• Preparing designs, work packages and reliable cost information to support funding bids and business cases.
• Planning and supervising surveys and investigations, including theodolite surveys, coring, trial pits and early contractor involvement.
• Reviewing test results, drawing conclusions and recommending practical solutions.
• Giving highway design advice on major projects and planning applications.
• Working with utilities, contractors, developers and partner organisations to deliver projects efficiently.
• Contributing to project budgets, invoices, and cost/risk management.
• Supervising construction on site to ensure safety, on time, within budget and quality.
• Preparing Pre Construction Information, method statements, risk assessments and CDM documents.

Skills

Highways design

Stakeholder liaison

Project planning

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Level 4 qualification in civil engineering or related subject

Working towards professional accreditation (NEC3/NEC4) or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Department: Growth
Terms & Conditions: Permanent, 37 hours per week
Shortlisting date: 15th September 2026
Interview date: 28th & 29th September 2026

Do you have experience in highway design and want to help deliver practical schemes that make travel safer and easier across Blackburn with Darwen?

We are looking for an Engineer to join our Highways Projects team within the Highways and Transport service. This is a varied technical role for someone who enjoys turning ideas into clear designs and seeing projects through to construction.

You will work on active travel, road safety, highway maintenance, traffic signals, bus infrastructure, and schemes delivered through Section 278 and Section 106 agreements.

About the role

You will report to the Principal Engineer for Highways Projects and take responsibility for your own design work and allocated projects, with support and guidance from senior colleagues.

Your work will cover feasibility, concept design, preliminary and detailed design, surveys, cost estimates, contract documents, procurement and site supervision.

You will use AutoCAD and other technical tools, analyse information, explain your advice clearly and work with colleagues, elected members, developers, consultants, contractors, utility companies and partner organisations.

You will also prepare Health and Safety documents and make sure projects follow relevant laws, technical standards, Council procedures and the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.

What you'll be doing

• Preparing feasibility studies, concept designs, preliminary designs and detailed designs for highway improvement and maintenance schemes.
• Producing AutoCAD drawings, specifications, cost estimates, programmes and contract documents.
• Supporting the delivery of active travel, road safety, traffic signal, bus infrastructure, Highways Capital Programme, Section 278 and Section 106 schemes.
• Preparing designs, work packages and reliable cost information to support funding bids and business cases.
• Planning and supervising surveys and investigations, including theodolite surveys, coring, trial pits and early contractor involvement.
• Reviewing test results and technical information, drawing clear conclusions and recommending practical solutions.
• Giving highway design advice on major projects and strategic planning applications.
• Working with utility companies, contractors, developers, procurement colleagues and neighbouring councils to deliver projects efficiently.
• Contributing to project budgets, checking invoices against contracts and helping to manage costs and risks.
• Supervising construction work on site and making sure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the right quality.
• Preparing Pre Construction Information, method statements, risk assessments and other Health and Safety documents in line with CDM requirements.

What we're looking for

You will have practical experience in highway design and a good record of producing accurate, high quality work.

You will be able to analyse technical problems, find practical solutions, organise a busy workload and meet deadlines. You will be confident working on your own initiative while knowing when to ask for advice.

You will communicate clearly, provide good customer service and build positive working relationships while acting fairly, professionally and with appropriate confidentiality.

Essential knowledge and experience

• Experience of highway design with evidence of delivering high quality project outcomes.
• Good knowledge of current highway legislation, technical standards and guidance, including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges where relevant.
• Knowledge of highway maintenance practices, statutory responsibilities and network management requirements.
• Knowledge and experience of AutoCAD and related design packages.
• The ability to analyse complex technical information, draw sound conclusions and develop practical solutions.
• Experience of project planning, budgets, cost estimates, procurement, contracts and project delivery.
• A good understanding of Health and Safety, risk management, business continuity and CDM requirements for highway design and construction.
• Strong organisation and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and remain accurate under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior colleagues, elected members, clients, contractors and partner organisations.

The successful candidate will have:

• A relevant Level 4 qualification in civil engineering, structural engineering or a closely related subject, or be working towards one.
• Highway design experience supported by evidence of continuing professional development.

NEC3 or NEC4 accreditation is desirable.

• A chance to work on highway schemes that make a clear difference across Blackburn with Darwen.
• Experience across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and design through to procurement and construction.
• Support from experienced engineers and opportunities to develop your technical and project skills.
• A practical role combining design work, surveys, problem solving and site supervision.
• A varied programme covering active travel, road safety, maintenance, traffic signals, bus infrastructure and new development.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment guided by the Council's values of Trust, Respect, Ambition, Collaboration and Kindness.

Additional information

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who are committed to fair, inclusive and respectful practice. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.