Principal/ Chief Civil Engineer (Rail Projects)

AtkinsRéalis; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Hybrid working culture

Flexible holiday allowances

Training and professional development opportunities

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Principal or Chief Civil Engineer to join their Bridges and Civils team in Birmingham. This role involves shaping the future of transportation by delivering innovative civil engineering designs for significant projects, including Midlands Rail Hub and Lower Thames Crossing.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Civil Engineering and has relevant experience with railway projects. Competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and professional development opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience as Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) for railway projects.
• Good understanding of Eurocodes and relevant design standards.
• Experience with major clients in civil engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality civil engineering designs.
• Manage production of design documentation.
• Lead bids and tenders to win work.

Skills

Civil or Structural Engineering

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Client Relationship Management

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Professional Qualification (CEng/IEng)

Tools

BIM Software

Job description

Shape a faster, smarter, safer future.

You might know us for the great work we do across a wide variety of projects. We pride ourselves on diversity of thought, expertise, and knowledge. When you join us, you’ll be part of a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is valued and treated equally.

About AtkinsRéalis

We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Together with partners and a global team, we aim to engineer a better future for the planet and its people.

Overview

As a Principal or Chief Civil Engineer in our Bridges and Civils team within Transportation, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation. We work on a diverse range of significant and challenging projects across the UK and Ireland, including Midlands Rail Hub, East West Rail, Lower Thames Crossing, National Highways, Network Rail schemes, water market and nuclear projects. Locally in the Midlands we deliver a range of local authority projects for councils such as Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Solihull, Coventry and Birmingham. You will create high‑quality civil and structural designs for new builds, renewals, maintenance, and assessments.

Your role

• Act as a Contractor’s Responsible Engineer for railway civil engineering or stations projects or serve as an Engineering Manager on multi‑disciplinary railway schemes.
• Develop high‑quality civil engineering designs for new construction, renewals, and maintenance works.
• Collaborate with national and international design teams, using leadership to create positive, sustainable impacts.
• Manage production and review of design documentation including sketches, drawings, 3D BIM deliverables, calculations, reports, and specifications.
• Understand client problems and integrate various capabilities to develop solutions.
• Carry out technical work independently and provide guidance to junior staff.
• Develop capability within the team and wider business.
• Engage with and manage internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify new opportunities, bring value into the business and pursue new work.
• Lead bids and tenders, win work and develop client relationships.
• Keep abreast of state‑of‑the‑art methods and developments in the area of specialisation.

About you

• A degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• A professional qualification (CEng/IEng) and membership of ICE or IStructE.
• Experience acting as a CRE or Engineering Manager for railway civil engineering works or stations projects.
• Experience working with key clients such as Network Rail, HS2, local authorities or major contractors and developers.
• Good understanding of relevant design standards (e.g., Eurocodes, DMRB, MCHW, Network Rail standards).
• Practical knowledge of railway civil engineering or station design.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to converse with a wide range of clients, stakeholders and colleagues across engineering disciplines.
• Good project management skills, commercial awareness, financial control and ability to deliver across a range of contract types. Includes management of stakeholders such as specialist suppliers, independent checkers and local authorities.

Rewards & benefits

We offer competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a wide range of benefits that can be tailored to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Opportunities for training and professional development are abundant. Hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances support a balanced job and personal life.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance. Offers will depend on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require proof of UK residency of 5 years or longer. Candidates should not mention existing or previous clearance in their application.

Equal opportunities

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We offer family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups.