Principal Highway Engineer

Carrington West; Bilsthorpe CP; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid working arrangements

Additional annual leave

Employee discounts

Free onsite parking

Professional development support

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking a Principal Highways Engineer to join their Strategic Project Delivery team in Nottinghamshire. This role allows you to lead high-profile highway and civil engineering projects, ensuring their success from design through to construction.

You will leverage your technical expertise, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to strategies that enhance local infrastructure. With competitive salary, hybrid working arrangements, and opportunities for career development, this position offers a chance to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience within highways or civil engineering.
• Strong IT skills, including experience with industry-standard highway design software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Thorough understanding of DMRB, MCHW and SHW standards.
• Knowledge of CDM Regulations with Designer or Principal Designer experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical assurance and delivery of highway and civil engineering designs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and guidance.
• Develop practical and cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Review and manage externally produced designs and technical submissions.

Skills

Highway design software

Communication

Stakeholder management

Cost control

Technical leadership

Project management

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Principal Highways Engineer

My client is seeking an experienced Principal Highways Engineer to join their Strategic Project Delivery team in Nottinghamshire. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong highways professional who enjoys taking ownership of projects from design through to construction while influencing the delivery of infrastructure that makes a real difference to local communities.

As a Principal Highways Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-profile highway and civil engineering schemes, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects are safe, efficient, buildable and aligned with client objectives. This position offers the opportunity to combine technical leadership, stakeholder engagement and project delivery within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

The Opportunity

As a Principal Highways Engineer, you will lead the technical development and delivery of highway and civil engineering projects, ensuring designs are delivered to the highest standards and successfully implemented on site.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical assurance, development and delivery of highway and civil engineering designs from project handover through to construction.
• Ensure compliance with DMRB, MCHW, British Standards and all relevant industry guidance.
• Develop practical, cost-effective and buildable engineering solutions that meet client and network requirements.
• Provide senior technical, contractual and commercial advice throughout project delivery.
• Support NEC contract processes, respond to technical queries and contribute to construction programming activities.
• Review, approve and manage externally produced designs and technical submissions.
• Work closely with Construction and Commercial teams to align design and delivery activities, optimising programme, cost and project outcomes.
• Act as Principal Designer on complex schemes, ensuring compliance with CDM Regulations and all health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Provide technical support during construction, manage design changes and resolve site-based engineering challenges.
• Build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, elected members and members of the public while representing the organisation professionally at all times.

About You

• A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience within highways or civil engineering.
• Strong IT skills, including experience with industry‑standard highway design software and Microsoft Office applications.
• A thorough understanding of DMRB, MCHW, SHW and other relevant highway design standards.
• Knowledge of CDM Regulations and experience undertaking Designer or Principal Designer duties.
• Strong understanding of health and safety, traffic management and environmental legislation.
• Proven experience delivering highway and civil engineering projects from design through to construction.
• Experience managing project budgets, cost control and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, customer‑focused approach with the ability to provide technical leadership and mentor others.

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Additional annual leave entitlement.
• Employee discounts and benefits package.
• Free onsite parking.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of highways and infrastructure projects.
• Ongoing professional development and support towards further career progression.
• The opportunity to play a key role in delivering projects that positively impact local communities.

Location & Working Pattern

• Based in Nottinghamshire.
• Hybrid working available.
• Travel to project sites and stakeholder meetings as required.

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