Principal Civil Engineer

Emtech Recruitment; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior / Principal Civil Engineer to design and deliver highway and drainage infrastructure for various development projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in related engineering roles, strong technical knowledge, and proficiency in Cad software. This position offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package and flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in UK development-related infrastructure engineering.
• Strong technical knowledge of relevant design standards.
• Experience with approval processes S38, S278, and S104.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical designs for highways and drainage infrastructure.
• Produce or oversee technical assessments and design reports.
• Liaise with clients and project managers to coordinate project requirements.

Skills

Technical design for highways and drainage

Project management

Communication skills

Mentoring junior engineers

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Proficiency in Civil 3D

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MicroDrainage

Causeway Flow

Job description

Senior / Principal Civil Engineer (Highways & Drainage)

Locations: London, Surrey or Hampshire
Salary: 50k - 60k + Excellent Benefits

About the Company

Our client is one of the UK's leading independent engineering consultancies, specialising in the design and delivery of innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions. With a strong reputation for excellence across transport, infrastructure, and environmental sectors, they support clients from concept through to consent and construction, helping to create better places through good design.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior or Principal Civil Engineer to join our client's expanding team. This role will focus on the design and delivery of highway and drainage infrastructure for a range of development projects across the UK. You'll collaborate closely with project managers and multidisciplinary teams, providing technical expertise and ensuring that all designs meet the highest quality and compliance standards.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced civil engineer looking to advance their career in a supportive and dynamic environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop technical designs for highways and drainage infrastructure in support of S104, S38, and S278 applications.
• Produce or oversee technical assessments and design reports for new developments.
• Check and review technical outputs, drawings, and reports prepared by junior colleagues.
• Manage projects with moderate supervision, ensuring timely delivery to a high standard.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and stakeholders to coordinate project requirements.
• Stay up to date with relevant design standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, sharing technical knowledge and expertise.

About You

• Degree qualified in Civil Engineering (or a related discipline).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in UK development-related infrastructure engineering.
• Strong technical knowledge of relevant design standards, including DMRB, Manual for Streets, Sewers for Adoption, and local authority design guidance.
• Experience with S38, S278, and S104 approval processes.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D; knowledge of MicroDrainage or Causeway Flow desirable.
• Experience preparing flood risk assessments or drainage strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Full UK driving licence (some site visits required).

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• 25 days' annual leave (increasing with service).
• Pension scheme, life assurance, and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Payment of professional membership fees.
• Structured support for professional development and chartership.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking working environment.

How to Apply

If you're a skilled Civil Engineer with experience in highways and drainage design and looking for your next step in a respected, growing consultancy, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion