Principal Engineer (Roads)

WSP; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading engineering firm as a Principal Engineer in Bristol, where you will lead highway consultancy projects from design to construction. This role requires strong technical expertise and client-facing skills, ensuring project success through effective management and communication.

Qualifications

• Experience in highway design and drainage systems throughout the project lifecycle.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer with extensive post-qualification experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of highway consultancy services.
• Manage projects ensuring coordination of multidisciplinary inputs.
• Liaise with clients, develop relationships, and manage expectations.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Chartered Civil Engineer

Incorporated Engineer

Tools

Autodesk Civil 3D

Bentley OpenRoads Designer

InfoDrainage

PDS

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. Embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. Experience a world of opportunity and shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role…

WSP is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Principal Engineer to join the Roads team based in Bristol.

You will lead the day-to-day technical delivery of highway consultancy services, supporting our clients through all project stages—from feasibility and concept design to planning, detailed design, and construction. This client-facing role requires a proven track record of delivering schemes in the local or national transport arena. Responsibilities include:

• Managing projects to ensure coordination and compatibility of multidisciplinary inputs across projects of varying scale, complexity, and value.
• Liaising with clients, developing strong, trusted relationships, proactively managing expectations, and providing comprehensive advice.
• Serving as a technical lead and reviewer on projects.
• Using your technical expertise to support and develop team members, maximizing their contributions.
• Preparing fee proposals and managing project budgets.
• Developing and delivering project solutions, both discrete and overall.
• Leading and managing staff in the production of design drawings, construction details, specifications, and bills of quantities, supporting tender preparation.
• Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental legislation, as well as internal quality standards.
• Supporting resource coordination and team setup, ensuring the right personnel are in the right roles.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Relevant experience in highway design and drainage systems throughout the project lifecycle. Specific expertise in road geometry, roundabouts, junctions, active travel, drainage, restraint systems, and road markings is advantageous.
• Experience leading one or multiple design disciplines in relevant projects (e.g., road, public transport, active travel, development).
• Experience with contract document preparation, contract administration, or site supervision using Public Works Contracts.
• Proficiency in relevant software such as Autodesk Civil 3D, Bentley OpenRoads Designer, InfoDrainage, and PDS.
• Ability to proactively manage change, clearly communicating impacts on programme, cost, and quality.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.
• Chartered Civil Engineer or Incorporated Engineer with extensive post-qualification experience.
• Thorough understanding of relevant design codes like the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, TSRGD, and local authority guidance, including preparation of drawings for contract documentation and approvals.
• Experience ensuring compliance with Designers Duties under CDM regulations.

Don’t meet all criteria? Apply anyway! We’re open to how your experience aligns with this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for yourself and for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals passionate about making a positive impact. Our global team of over 69,000 employees works together to make a difference in communities near and far.

With us, you can. Apply today.

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