Principal Civil Engineer - Renewables (Energy)

WSP; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Thrive programme

Gymflex benefits

Chartership support

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer for Renewables in the UK to lead onshore wind and repowering projects. You will steer feasibility, design, procurement, construction and handover, aligning scope, budget and schedule while advising clients.

You will manage multidisciplinary teams, drive risk mitigation and ensure compliance with CDM and contract requirements, while mentoring junior staff and supporting business development.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer or Chartered Project Professional desirable.
• Project management qualification such as APM PMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP or equivalent.
• Experience delivering renewable energy infrastructure projects, especially onshore wind.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of renewable energy projects from feasibility through to operation.
• Manage scope, programme, budget, risk, quality and safety for projects.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including civil, electrical, structural and planning.
• Interface with clients, landowners, authorities and contractors.
• Provide strategic project leadership and client advice.
• Oversee procurement activities and contract management.

Skills

Project management

Civil engineering

Team leadership

Communication

Risk management

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Engineering or related discipline

Chartered Engineer

PMQ/PRINCE2/PMP

Tools

NEC contracts

FIDIC contracts

Job description

Principal Civil Engineer - Renewables (Energy)

• Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
• Glasgow, Lanarkshire, United Kingdom

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role...

The Senior Project Manager will lead the development and delivery of onshore renewable energy projects across the UK, with a focus on onshore wind and repowering projects.

The role involves managing multidisciplinary teams through all phases of project development and delivery, from feasibility, optioneering and consenting through detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to clients whilst ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with agreed programme, budget and quality objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the delivery of renewable energy projects from feasibility and development through to construction and operation.
• Manage project scope, programme, budget, risk, quality, health and safety and commercial performance.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including civil, electrical, structural, environmental, planning, geotechnical and grid specialists.
• Manage key project interfaces including clients, landowners, planning authorities, statutory consultees, contractors, DNOs, TOs, OEMs and regulatory bodies.
• Act as the primary client contact and provide strategic project leadership and advice.
• Support project development activities including site selection, optioneering, constraints analysis, feasibility studies and consenting strategies.
• Lead procurement activities including preparation of Employer's Requirements, technical specifications, tender documentation, tender evaluations and contract award recommendations.
• Administer and manage engineering and construction contracts including NEC and other industry-standard forms of contract.
• Oversee construction activities, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, technical requirements and CDM responsibilities.
• Identify and manage project risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Maintain robust project governance, reporting, forecasting, change management and financial control processes.
• Support business development activities including client engagement, framework management, proposal preparation and strategic pursuits.
• Mentor and develop junior project managers and technical staff, promoting collaboration and high-performance delivery.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management processes and delivery excellence across the renewables sector.

The Renewables Team

The UK Renewables team supports clients through the complete lifecycle of renewable energy projects, from site identification and development through design, construction, operation, repowering and decommissioning.

Our expertise spans onshore wind, solar PV, BESS, hydrogen and associated grid infrastructure projects. We work with developers, investors, utilities, contractors, OEMs, financial institutions and government bodies to successfully deliver complex renewable energy projects.

Working across the UK, Ireland and Europe, and supported by WSP's global renewables network, we provide integrated technical, environmental, engineering and project management services for some of the industry's most significant energy transition projects.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate...

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer, Chartered Project Professional or equivalent professional accreditation desirable.
• Project management qualification such as APM PMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP or equivalent would be beneficial
• Experience delivering renewable energy infrastructure projects, particularly onshore wind developments.
• Proven experience managing projects through development, detailed design, procurement, construction and commissioning phases.
• Strong understanding of onshore renewable energy project lifecycles, risks and stakeholder requirements.
• Knowledge of consenting and grid connection processes associated with renewable energy developments would be beneficial
• Experience administering engineering and construction contracts, including FIDIC / NEC contracts.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing project budgets, change control and financial performance.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and specialist consultants.
• Good understanding of CDM Regulations, construction management and health and safety requirements.
• Strong communication, client management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within a fast-paced delivery environment.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK as required.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

#LI-DM1

Job Info

• Job Identification 97221
• Posting Date 10/08/2026, 03:07 PM

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.