Principal Design Engineer - Highways

BWB Consulting Ltd; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% pension match

Healthcare cash plan

Competitive salary package

25+ days holiday

Flexible/hybrid working

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Leeds seeks a Principal Design Engineer - Highways to drive high-impact projects. The role involves designing public highways, mentoring talent, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have strong expertise in Civil 3D and MicroDrainage, excellent communication skills, and a proactive mindset. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong technical independence with Civil 3D and MicroDrainage.
• Confidence liaising with clients and project managers.
• Excellent communication skills adaptable to different audiences.
• Hands-on leadership style with responsibility for technical solutions while mentoring others.
• Excellent communication skills adaptable to different audiences.
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with positivity and drive.

Responsibilities

• Drive the design of public highways, including geometry and drainage.
• Mentor and inspire graduates and engineers.
• Collaborate across disciplines to bring projects to life.
• Collaborate across disciplines to bring multi-dimensional projects to life.
• Work with developers, contractors and local authorities — build strong partnerships.

Skills

Civil 3D

MicroDrainage

Client liaison

Commercial awareness

Communication

Mentoring

Tools

OpenRoads

PDS

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal Design Engineer - Highways role at BWB Consulting Ltd

Who We Are
BWB Consulting is a dynamic, award-winning engineering and environmental design consultancy. We push boundaries, innovate, and deliver exceptional results—earning us the 2024 Wellbeing Award and the ACE Best Large Consultancy of the Year (2022). We’re serious about people - BWB is both an Investors in People and Investors in Wellbeing accredited organisation. We invest in talent, growth, and a high-performance culture where you can thrive, challenge yourself, and make an impact.

Why Join Us?
At BWB, you’ll be part of a team that: Drives Excellence – We set the standard and exceed expectations. Innovates – We embrace fresh ideas and cutting-edge solutions. Works with Integrity – We do what’s right, always. Collaborates – We believe in teamwork, mentorship, and shared success. Leads in Sustainability – We integrate sustainable solutions into everything we do.

Be part of something bigger
BWB Consulting has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Highways Engineer (Associate level) to join our Infrastructure team. As a Highways England Regional Delivery Partner, we’re helping to deliver projects that shape the future of the UK’s transport network. You’ll work directly with Highways England and a range of high-profile clients, becoming a key player in a team that’s growing in both size and reputation.

What You’ll Be Doing
This isn’t just another design role. You’ll be taking the lead on challenging, high-impact highways projects — from the early planning stages right through to delivery:

• Drive the design of public highways — geometry, drainage, pavements and more.
• Use your engineering judgement to tackle problems, make decisions, and keep projects moving.
• Mentor and inspire graduates and engineers, shaping the next generation of talent.
• Collaborate across disciplines to bring multi-dimensional projects to life.
• Work with developers, contractors and local authorities — adapting to different client needs and building strong partnerships.

What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for more than just technical know-how — we want someone with the confidence and passion to make an impact. You’ll bring:

• Strong technical independence with Civil 3D and MicroDrainage (OpenRoads or PDS experience also welcome with a willingness to upskill).
• Confidence liaising with clients, consultants and project managers.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate, influence and grow relationships.
• A visible, hands-on leadership style — willing to take responsibility for technical solutions while supporting and mentoring others.
• Excellent communication skills — able to adapt your style to suit different audiences.
• A collaborative, proactive mindset, combined with positivity, drive and a real desire to succeed.

What We Offer

• High-Performance Culture – Work alongside a driven, innovative team where ideas are encouraged and success is celebrated.
• Competitive Salary & Benefits – Enjoy a market-leading package with 5% pension match, healthcare cash plan, and exclusive perks.
• Career Growth – Access fully funded development programmes, chartership support, and professional memberships to drive your progression.
• Flexibility & Wellbeing – Benefit from hybrid working, Core Hours, 25+ days holiday (with the option to buy more), and a genuine focus on wellbeing.
• Make a Difference – Contribute to meaningful projects, engage with communities, and help shape a better future.

We Welcome All Talent
As a proud supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant, we actively encourage applications from veterans, reservists, and military families. We are also a Disability Confident Employer. We champion diversity, inclusion, and individuality—whatever your background, if you’re ready to make an impact, we want to hear from you.