Principal Highway Engineer

Carrington West; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy is seeking a Principal Highways Engineer to enhance their Infrastructure Design team. This pivotal role involves overseeing the design and delivery of complex public highway projects while fostering client relationships and mentoring junior engineers. With a focus on innovative solutions and sustainable infrastructure, the position offers competitive compensation and a supportive work culture, including hybrid working options and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension contributions up to 5% matched

25 days of holiday

Life assurance

Healthcare cash plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Regular social events

Volunteering days

Tailored development programmes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in highways design projects.
• Expertise in multidisciplinary collaboration and client engagement.
• Track record of developing and mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of public highway schemes and complex infrastructure.
• Serve as technical authority, ensuring high-quality project delivery.
• Support client relationships and contribute to new business opportunities.

Skills

Technical expertise in highways design

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Leadership and mentoring

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Civil 3D

MicroDrainage

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Principal Highways Engineer
Are you an experienced civil engineer ready to take on a pivotal leadership role in highways design? Join an innovative consultancy that's driving progress across infrastructure, engineering, and the environment. Known for delivering high-impact, sustainable solutions, our client pride themselves on technical excellence, client satisfaction, and a people-first culture.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled highways engineer to step into a principal-level position within the Infrastructure Design team. You'll play a strategic role in supporting major frameworks, including work with National Highways, and lead the delivery of complex public highway projects for a variety of clients.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will oversee the design of road layouts, drainage systems, pavement structures, and broader highway infrastructure. You'll also take on responsibilities that span technical leadership, client engagement, mentoring junior staff, and managing delivery performance.
Key Responsibilities
·Lead the preliminary and detailed design of public highway schemes, including horizontal and vertical alignments, drainage, and associated elements.
·Operate as a technical authority on projects, reviewing designs and guiding team outputs to ensure high-quality delivery.
·Work independently using sound engineering judgment to resolve design challenges.
·Coordinate across disciplines and liaise with external stakeholders, including planning authorities, developers, and project partners.
·Represent the team in client meetings, providing expert technical input and building strong professional relationships.
·Support the professional development of less experienced engineers through coaching and delegation.
·Contribute to proposals, fee estimates, and the development of new business opportunities.
What You Bring
·Demonstrable technical expertise in highways design using Civil 3D (or equivalent platforms such as OpenRoads or PDS, with a willingness to transition to Civil 3D).
·Skilled in the use of MicroDrainage and the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
·Experience working across all project phases, from planning through construction.
·A track record of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, clients, and local or national authorities.
·Strong commercial awareness and the ability to support client relationship management.
·Excellent communication skills - written and verbal - with the ability to tailor your approach to different stakeholders.
·Leadership qualities with a focus on mentoring and developing engineering talent.
·A proactive mindset with a positive, can-do attitude and a passion for achieving great outcomes.
On Offer:
·Competitive salary that recognises your expertise and contributions.
·Pension contributions up to 5% matched by the company to support your future.
·25 days of holiday with the option to purchase more for added flexibility.
·Life assurance of four times your annual salary.
·Healthcare cash plan and access to mental and physical wellbeing support via Westfield Health.
·Cycle to Work scheme, regular social events, and volunteering days to promote balance and team spirit.
·Tailored development programmes, including full support for professional charterships and funded professional memberships.
·Hybrid working options to help you balance your career with life outside of work.