Principal Road Engineer

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Health and wellbeing benefits

Training and development support

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is looking for a Principal Engineer to join their Roads team in Carlisle. You'll oversee the technical delivery of highway consultancy services from project inception through to construction.

This role involves managing and liaising with clients, ensuring project success, and supporting team development while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. A hybrid work policy allows for flexibility, making it easier to achieve work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in highway design and drainage systems.
• Proven ability to manage those design disciplines.
• Experience with contract documents and administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of highway consultancy services.
• Manage multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Prepare fee proposals and manage project budgets.

Skills

Highway design knowledge

Drainage systems expertise

Client management skills

Software proficiency (e.g., Civils 3D)

Contract administration experience

Communication skills

Chartered Engineer status

Education

Chartered Civil Engineer

Tools

Autodesk Civils 3D

Bentley OpenRoads Designer

InfoDrainage

Job description

Job Description

You are a Principal Engineer in the Roads team based in Carlisle, Newcastle or Teesside. You will lead day‑to‑day technical delivery of highway consultancy services to support our clients through all stages of the project life‑cycle, from feasibility and concept design to planning, detailed design, and construction.

Responsibilities

• Managing projects to ensure coordination and compatibility of multi‑disciplinary inputs on projects of varying scale, complexity and value.
• Liaising with clients, developing strong trusted relationships, proactively managing their expectations and comprehensively advising them.
• Undertaking project technical lead and reviewer roles.
• Using your technical ability and experience to support others to maximise their personal contribution to project/team goals.
• Preparing fee proposals and managing budgets for individual projects.
• Being responsible for the development and delivery of discrete and overall project solutions.
• Leading and managing other staff members in the delivery of design drawings, standard construction details, specifications and bill of quantities, supporting the preparation of tender packages.
• Being responsible for compliance with Health & Safety and Environmental Legislation and in‑house quality assurance standards/processes.
• Being actively involved with team resource coordination, supporting the setup of teams and pitting the right people in the right roles.

Qualifications

• Relevant knowledge and experience of highway design and/or drainage systems at various stages of the project life cycle. Specific experience in the following areas is advantageous: road geometry, roundabouts, at‑grade and grade separated junctions, inclusive active travel, highway drainage systems, road restraint systems, traffic sign and road marking design.
• Demonstrable experience in leading a single or multiple design disciplines of relevant projects (e.g. road, public transport, active travel, public or private development).
• Experience of contract document preparation or contract administration/site supervision using Public Works Contracts.
• The ability to use, direct and check the design outputs created in relevant software including but not limited to Autodesk Civils 3D, Bentley OpenRoads Designer, InfoDrainage and/or PDS.
• Proactively managing change on tasks/projects, clearly communicating potential impacts on programme, cost, and quality.
• Good communication, client/stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
• Chartered Civil Engineer or an Incorporated Engineer with extensive post‑professional qualification experience.
• A thorough understanding and application of the relevant design codes such as the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, TSRGD, local authority design guidance, and being well‑versed in the preparation of drawings for contract documentation and technical approvals including the application of departures from standard.
• Experience of complying with Designers’ Duties under CDM regulations.

Benefits

• Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy offering the flexibility to work from home two days a week and opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & belonging: welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and encourage people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work.
• Health & wellbeing: Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, plus part‑time and flexible working arrangements, option to purchase additional leave and the ability to use bank holiday entitlement.
• Your development: supportive environment investing in growth through training, mentoring, or chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.