Principal Highways Engineer

Extension Recruitment; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design consultancy is seeking a Principal Highways Engineer to take the lead on highways projects from their offices in Durham, Northallerton, or Otley. This hybrid role involves project planning, overseeing design production, and mentoring junior team members. Candidates should have a degree in Civil Engineering, strong knowledge of highway design, and relevant software like AutoCAD and Civils 3D. Excellent communication skills are essential, and professional registration is desirable.

Benefits

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension up to 6%

Excellent training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• A degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in highway design and construction.
• Knowledge of UK standards and design software.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Professional registration (IEng or CEng) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and resource management.
• Oversee design production and structural assessments.
• Review drawings, calculations, and technical reports.
• Develop engineering solutions and present options.
• Mentor junior team members and drive health and safety.

Skills

Highway design

Leadership

Communication

UK standards knowledge

AutoCAD

Civils 3D

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civils 3D

Job description

Job Title: Principal Highways Engineer

Location: Durham, Northallerton or Otley (on a hybrid basis)

Salary: £54,000 - £58,000pa

Are you an experienced Principal Highways Engineer looking for your next challenge? We’re working with a leading design consultancy to recruit a talented professional who can take the lead on highways projects and deliver exceptional results.

With sites across the North, this person has the possibility to be based in their offices in Durham, Northallerton or Otley on a hybrid basis.

About the Company

Our client operates within the engineering consultancy sector, providing multi-disciplinary services across civil, structural, and highways engineering. They pride themselves on delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions for complex infrastructure projects.

Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays. (Holiday purchase scheme is also available)
• Company pension up to 6%
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Plus many more!

The Buyer Role

As a Principal Highways Engineer, you will lead project planning and resource management within the highways team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing design production, structural assessments, and inspections
• Reviewing drawings, calculations, and technical reports
• Developing engineering solutions and presenting options
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members
• Driving health and safety best practices across projects

Key Responsibilities

To succeed as a Principal Highways Engineer, you’ll need:

• A degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Significant experience in highway design and construction
• Strong knowledge of UK standards and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civils 3D)
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Professional registration (IEng or CEng) is desirable, and the ability to travel to sites when required is essential.

We’re committed to promoting inclusive opportunities. If you’re excited about this Principal Highways Engineer role but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply — your unique perspective could be exactly what they’re looking for.