Principal Systems Engineer (Tunnels)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellbeing support

Hybrid working flexibility

Investing in training and mentoring

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is looking for a Principal Tunnel Systems Engineer to join their Intelligent Infrastructure team in Newcastle upon Tyne. In this role, you will set the technical direction for tunnel projects, engage with a variety of clients, and develop innovative engineering solutions. The position offers a hybrid working model, focusing on work-life balance while promoting a culture of inclusion and personal growth. Applicants should have an engineering degree and experience with complex engineering systems.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering or similar.
• Professional registration (CEng) preferred, supported for chartership.
• Proven capability in design and operation of engineering systems.
• Experience with applicable UK or international standards.

Responsibilities

• Set technical direction and delivery for tunnel systems.
• Engage with clients to deliver tunnel project solutions.
• Shape projects from concept, embedding safety by design.
• Develop emerging talent and a high-performing technical team.

Skills

Problem-solving ability

Collaborative approach

Experience with complex engineering systems

Systems thinking mindset

Education

Degree in a relevant engineering discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

BIM

ProjectWise

Job description

Overview

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

You may be a tunnel systems specialist or an engineer ready for your next challenge. This role gives you the chance to grow and shape how critical national infrastructure is designed and operated. Our Intelligent Infrastructure team values engineers who ask bold questions, challenge conventions and show curiosity to uncover smarter ways of delivering tunnel systems. We offer opportunities to work across road, rail, utility and multi-use tunnels, helping shape infrastructure for the next generation.

In This Role

Whether you are already working in tunnel systems or bring transferable expertise from complex M&E, safety critical, digital or infrastructure environments, we will support you to grow your capability in this fascinating and rewarding field. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• A degree in a relevant engineering discipline (such as Mechanical, Electrical or Systems Engineering etc)
• 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 of working within applicable UK or international standards.

Desirable (with full support available to develop)

• 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.

Application and Inclusion

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 83,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

What’s In It For You

• Work-life balance: Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work; we promote a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Health & Wellbeing: We support your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme, including a Virtual GP service and a menopause support package, plus workplace adjustments and a gym benefits program.
• Flex your time: WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities with flexible make-up options. Part-time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave purchase, and bank holiday usage are available.
• Your development: We invest in training, mentoring and Chartership as part of your growth.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms with a global team of 72,800+ professionals. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

EEO Statement

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.