Principal Highway Engineer

Carrington West; North East; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the North East of England seeks a Principal Highway Engineer to provide senior technical leadership on highway maintenance and improvement projects. The ideal candidate will have proven highway design expertise, experience in leading technical projects, and a strong knowledge of CDM regulations. Responsibilities include overseeing engineering designs, ensuring compliance, and mentoring junior staff. This role promises a dynamic work environment and involvement in significant civil engineering projects.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Highway Engineer with strong design expertise.
• Extensive background in highway maintenance and improvement schemes.
• Ability to support and develop junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and delivery of the highway maintenance and improvement programme.
• Produce and oversee detailed engineering designs using AutoCAD.
• Ensure all designs meet CDM 2015 requirements.

Skills

Highway design expertise

AutoCAD proficiency

CDM regulations knowledge

Mentoring abilities

Education

HNC/HND in Civil Engineering

Job description

Principal Highway Engineer

Overview

My client in the North East is seeking an experienced Principal Highway Engineer to provide senior technical leadership across a varied programme of highway schemes. This role is design-focused and will involve leading on highway maintenance and improvement projects, including minor works such as footways, resurfacing, and localised drainage improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and delivery of the annual highway maintenance and improvement programme.
• Produce and oversee detailed engineering designs, drawings, and standard details using AutoCAD.
• Deliver schemes from concept through to construction, ensuring designs are safe, compliant, and buildable.
• Ensure all designs meet CDM 2015 requirements, including preparation of relevant pre‑construction information.
• Act as a senior technical authority, providing guidance, design checks, and mentoring developing engineers.
• Undertake site visits for surveys, feasibility assessments, and technical input during construction.
• Contribute to the delivery of both major and minor works, including footway schemes, resurfacing projects, and planned maintenance activities.

About you

• Proven experience as a Highway Engineer with strong design expertise.
• Extensive background in the design of highway maintenance and improvement schemes.
• HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering (essential).
• High proficiency in AutoCAD for producing engineering drawings.
• Strong working knowledge of CDM regulations, specifically the responsibilities of a Designer.
• A natural mentor with the ability to support and develop junior staff.

FOOTNOTE

If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the rate, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Traffic & Transportation professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Our specialist team has a combined 40+ years' experience in this market. Please call Charlie at Carrington West on 02393876024 for more information.
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