Highways Technical Lead (UK Wide)

JACOBS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Bristol seeks a Principal Engineer or Associate Director to lead the Highways team. This role involves managing complex civil engineering projects while ensuring design safety and innovation. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in engineering and experience in transportation design. Responsibilities include team leadership, project management, and collaboration with global teams. The firm values safety, integrity, and diversity, promoting a flexible and inclusive culture.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Well-being benefits

Global giving and volunteering programmes

Qualifications

• Experience managing engineering design solutions in Transportation.
• Relevant professional qualifications including degree in engineering.
• Technical experience in delivering highways projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of designers delivering highways design solutions.
• Generate accurate project forecasts and manage scope changes.
• Collaborate with global discipline leads for integrated services.

Skills

Managing engineering design solutions in Transportation

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Technical experience in highways projects

Understanding of design standards

Education

Degree in engineering or equivalent qualifications

Job description

Your impact

As a Principal Engineer or Associate Director in our Highways team, you’ll play a pivotal role in leading the delivery of complex civil engineering projects while shaping the future of transport infrastructure across the UK and beyond. You’ll drive technical excellence and ensure safety in design, championing innovation and identifying opportunities for automation and process efficiencies in every aspect of our work.

Responsibilities

You’ll lead and mentor a team of designers, coordinate the delivery of highways design solutions within programme and budget constraints, and collaborate with global discipline leads to deliver integrated, best‑practice services to our clients. You’ll also be responsible for generating accurate project forecasts and escalating scope changes that impact delivery. For those interested people leadership, opportunities exist to take on line management responsibilities and contribute to the development of our talented teams—though this is not a requirement for career progression at Jacobs.

Jacobs Scope

Jacobs is a recognised leader in the transportation sector, working with major clients such as National Highways, Transport Scotland, the Welsh Government, and global contractors. Internationally, we contribute to transformative mega‑projects like NEOM The Line and King Khalid International Airport. Domestically, we’re delivering impactful local schemes for:

• Manchester Airport Group
• United Utilities
• Cheshire East Council
• West Yorkshire Combined Authority
• Worcestershire County Council
• Birmingham City Council
• Derbyshire County Council
• West of England Combined Authority

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in managing engineering design solutions in Transportation.
• Relevant professional qualifications, such as a degree in engineering, CEng/IEng, or equivalent qualifications.
• Technical experience in delivering local and/or major highways projects or landside alignment elements in adjacent markets such as Water or Aviation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), with the ability to convey different design options to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead small project teams effectively and support their technical development.
• Thorough understanding of commonly used design standards such as DMRB or international equivalents.
• Sound knowledge of UK H&S legislation and a passion for fostering safety and wellbeing.
• Capability to manage a workload that may be subject to change at short notice.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a global multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience in the financial management and control of projects.

Benefits & Culture

Jacobs prioritises safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We provide flexible working arrangements, well‑being benefits, global giving and volunteering programmes and innovative ways to help our clients make the world a better place. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including our Employee Networks and Find Your Community initiatives.

Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are a disability‑confident employer. We support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Application Process

We are keen to adapt to every interaction. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments (for example, a different application format), please contact the Careers Support team.