Principal Design Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Leicester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the UK is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to lead innovative infrastructure and environmental projects. This role involves providing technical direction, mentoring teams, and ensuring high standards in design solutions. With a strong focus on sustainability, you'll have the opportunity to drive meaningful change while enjoying a collaborative work environment with excellent benefits.

Benefits

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Leading pension scheme with double-matched contributions

Electric vehicle scheme

Family-friendly policies

Two paid volunteering days per year

Qualifications

• High level of technical knowledge in civil, mechanical, electrical, or process engineering.
• Chartered status or working towards it (e.g., ICE, IMechE).
• Experience delivering large infrastructure or treatment projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from early feasibility through to detailed design.
• Ensure designs meet regulatory, technical, and operational requirements.
• Mentor and support engineers across disciplines.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Direction

Innovation

Education

Degree in engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, or process)

Job description

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Principal Design Engineer – Infrastructure & Environmental Projects

? Location: Coventry

Are you a senior engineering professional ready to lead the delivery of complex infrastructure and environmental design projects?

Our client, a nationally recognised organisation with a major capital investment programme aimed at improving treatment facilities, environmental outcomes, and long-term infrastructure resilience. With a growing internal design capability and over 300 technical specialists, we’re looking for a Principal Design Engineer to help shape and deliver innovative, sustainable solutions across a diverse portfolio.

? What You’ll Be Doing

As a Principal Design Engineer, you’ll lead multidisciplinary design teams and provide technical direction on major infrastructure and treatment-related projects. Whether your expertise is in civil, mechanical, electrical, or process engineering, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring designs meet the highest standards for safety, performance, and sustainability.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the design process from early feasibility through to detailed design
• Ensuring designs meet regulatory, technical, and operational requirements
• Mentoring and supporting engineers across disciplines
• Championing innovation and sustainable engineering practices
• Working collaboratively with internal teams and external delivery partners
• Acting as a senior technical authority within your field of expertise

? What You’ll Bring

We’re seeking an experienced design engineer who brings both deep technical knowledge and strong leadership capability.

You’ll also have:

• A degree in engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, or process) or a related field
• Chartered status or working towards (e.g., ICE, IMechE, IET, IChemE)
• Experience delivering large infrastructure or treatment projects
• A solid understanding of industry design standards and regulatory frameworks
• Proven ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Experience within the water or utilities sectors is advantageous but not essential — your ability to lead and deliver high-quality designs is what counts.

? What’s In It For You?

This role offers far more than a job — it's a chance to help drive meaningful infrastructure change while progressing your career in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. Benefits include:

• 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days)
• Leading pension scheme with double-matched contributions (up to 15%)
• Electric vehicle scheme and exclusive retail discounts
• Family-friendly policies and two paid volunteering days per year

Lead the design of a better future.

Apply now and bring your expertise to projects that make a real-world difference.