Principal Civil Engineer

Matchtech; Worthing; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to provide technical leadership in the delivery of water projects. The role involves leading a design team, managing project budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in the UK water industry and relevant qualifications. This position offers remote working options with a salary up to £75,000 and various benefits including a company pension and generous leave.

Benefits

Company and performance-related bonus

Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

Health Cash Plan

Flexible maternity leave options

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of design processes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record in delivering water non-infra projects within the UK Water Industry.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide technical guidance on the design of water non-infra projects.
• Manage project budgets and resolve complex design issues.
• Ensure designs meet customer and regulatory expectations.

Skills

Civil Engineering

Water

Hydraulic Engineering

Design

Non-infrastructure

Education

MEng/BEng/BSc or HNC in Civil Engineering or related

Chartered Engineer

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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Our water company client is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer on a permanent basis with remote working, based out of their Falmer office in Brighton.

Key skills required for this role

Civil Engineering, Water, Non-infrastructure, Design, Hydraulic Engineering

Important

Water experience is essential.

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Civil Engineer to provide technical leadership in the delivery of water (predominantly non-infrastructure) projects. As a key figure within the Civils team, you will guide the design team, provide detailed technical analysis, and ensure successful project delivery. You will work closely with Project Design Leads and stakeholders, driving innovation, ensuring value for money, and delivering solutions that meet high standards of safety, sustainability, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Operate in compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards (including CDM regulations).
• Develop risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure that designs promote environmental sustainability.
• Lead and provide technical guidance on the design of water non-infra projects.
• Prepare design calculations, specifications, and technical content for contracts.
• Oversee approval of designs and ensure compliance with technical governance and QA processes.
• Manage project budgets and resolve complex design issues.
• Challenge existing practices and promote continuous improvement.
• Research and implement industry best practices, including digital design concepts.
• Support the Discipline Lead in maintaining and updating technical standards.
• Deliver cost-effective, low-carbon solutions that meet project budgets.
• Assist Project Managers with budget tracking and financial planning.
• Ensure design timelines are achievable and proactively address potential delays.
• Ensure designs meet customer and regulatory expectations.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and contribute to technical papers and press releases.

Skills/experience/qualifications

• Full Driving Licence
• Proficient in MS Office and relevant IT design tools
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical ideas to both experts and laypeople.
• Ability to work independently, resolve complex engineering problems, and make confident decisions.
• A collaborative team player who values input from others and works effectively in cross-functional teams.
• A proactive leader with the ability to set measurable goals and drive continuous improvement.
• MEng/BEng/BSc or HNC in Civil Engineering, Environmental, or a numerate science-related subject.
• Chartered Engineer with a relevant engineering or scientific institution.
• Proven track record in delivering water non-infra projects within the UK Water Industry.
• Extensive knowledge of design processes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• In-depth understanding of the commercial environment within the water industry.
• Full-time Monday to Friday, 37 hours a week.
• Remote working is permitted; candidate must be open to 2 days in Falmer, though remote working may be offered depending on skill level/interview process.
• Salary of up to £75,000 per annum depending on skills and experience.
• Company and performance-related bonus.
• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary.
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months of service).
• Health Cash Plan.
• Two paid volunteering days a year.
• Flexible maternity leave and return-to-work options.
• Share scheme.

Managed this role

Matchtech is a STEM Recruitment Specialist, with over 40 years’ experience