Principal Systems Engineer (Tunnels)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Support for professional registration

Collaborative culture

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Tunnel Systems Engineer to join their Intelligent Infrastructure team. This role involves setting the technical direction for tunnel systems projects, engaging with clients, and shaping a collaborative technical team. The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering, problem-solving skills, and a collaborative approach. Experience with tunnel operations and engineering tools like AutoCAD is advantageous. Join a supportive environment fostering innovation and growth.

Qualifications

• Professional registration (CEng) preferred; support for chartership available.
• Proven capability in design and operation of complex engineering systems.
• Experience working with UK or international standards required.

Responsibilities

• Set technical direction and deliver design and advisory services.
• Engage with clients to deliver tunnel systems projects.
• Develop emerging talent within a high-performing team.

Skills

Problem-solving ability

Collaborative approach

Systems thinking mindset

Education

Degree in a relevant engineering discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

BIM

ProjectWise

Job description

Principal Tunnel Systems Engineer

We are looking for a Principal Tunnel Systems Engineer to join our industry leading Intelligent Infrastructure team. Our tunnel systems capability delivers end‑to‑end asset design and advisory services, integrating technology, safety, people and operations to create smarter, safer environments for road users, operators and maintainers.

In This Role

• Be supported in setting the technical direction and delivery of design, integration and end‑to‑end advisory services across electrical, mechanical, technology, fire life safety, communications and control systems for new build, refurbishment and upgraded tunnels.
• Shape projects from the earliest concept stages, embedding safety by design and an operations centred approach.
• Engage directly with a diverse range of clients, applying your design experience to help deliver tunnel systems projects for a growing client base including Local Authorities, National Highways, major airports and National Grid.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality, client‑focused solutions that make a real difference – while benefitting from a supportive, collaborative culture that empowers you to grow, innovate and shape the future of key infrastructure.
• Play a key role in developing emerging talent, shaping a high‑performing technical team, and influencing WSP’s tunnel systems capability.

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant engineering discipline (such as Mechanical, Electrical or Systems Engineering).
• Professional registration (CEng) is preferred; however, if you are on the pathway toward chartership, you will be fully supported through mentoring and access to Professional Registration Advisors within WSP.
• Proven capability in the design, operation, delivery or assurance of complex engineering systems (e.g. electrical, mechanical, technology, fire life safety, communications or control systems). Tunnel related experience is welcome but not essential.
• Excellent problem‑solving ability and a systems thinking mindset.
• Collaborative approach, with experience partnering across internal teams and external stakeholders, building strong relationships on technically integrated projects.
• Experience working within applicable UK or international standards.

Desirable

• Experience with tunnel operations or maintenance is helpful, but if it’s new to you, our team will help you build that knowledge quickly.
• Active thought leadership to influence industry thinking, ensuring our projects help shape best practice, drive innovation, and guide the future direction of tunnel systems engineering.
• Practical understanding of infrastructure/ system design tools or environments e.g., AutoCAD (or similar), engineering analysis and modelling tools, BIM, ProjectWise.

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.