Project Engineer

Canterbury City Council; Canterbury; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Canterbury is seeking an experienced Project Engineer to manage civil engineering projects. The successful candidate will excel in technical design and CAD, ensuring projects meet industry standards and complete successfully. Key responsibilities include planning, site supervision, and compliance with regulations. The role offers a starting salary of £39,166, demonstrating the importance of this position. A driving license and vehicle access are essential for site travel.

Benefits

Flexible working

23 days annual leave plus 3 days at Christmas

Qualifications

• Must have HNC in Civil Engineering.
• Technician Member of Institution of Civil Engineers is desirable.
• Experience in civil engineering processes and contract procurement.
• Strong proficiency in CAD software for complex drawings.
• Necessary full driving license and access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end delivery of civil engineering schemes.
• Produce designs, technical drawings, and CAD models.
• Act as site supervisor coordinating contractors.
• Ensure compliance with CDM and safety legislation.
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical development.

Skills

Technical design capabilities

Proficiency in CAD

Project management

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

HNC in Civil Engineering

Professional qualification from the Institution of Civil Engineers (desirable)

Tools

CAD software

Job description

At Canterbury City Council, we’re committed to shaping a district that is well-connected, sustainable, and resilient. From vibrant city centres to coastal towns and rural landscapes, our infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting economic growth, enhancing quality of life, and delivering on our environmental ambitions.

Our Engineering Team delivers a broad portfolio of civil engineering schemes – including highways improvements, public realm enhancements, drainage and flood alleviation, and coastal and structural works, and more recently the delivery of several complex LUF projects to enhance the city centre.

We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer with strong technical design capabilities, excellent proficiency in CAD, and hands‑on experience in site supervision. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering engineering projects from initial concept through to completion, ensuring full compliance with CDM Regulations and industry standards.

Starting salary for the post starts at £39,166. Flexible working with 23 days annual leave plus an additional three days allocated at Christmas.

The Role

As a Project Engineer, you will manage the end‑to‑end delivery of a range of civil engineering schemes, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard. You will be responsible for undertaking the planning, feasibility, design, drawings, tender, budget and contract documentation, specification and bills of quantities, contract administration, and site supervision of all types of engineering projects to fulfil the Client brief whilst following all corporate policies and initiatives.

Through the East Kent Engineering Partnership, you will collaborate with colleagues across the council, contractors, and partner organisations to bring projects to life that make a visible difference across the district.

You will be based across Whitstable Harbour and Canterbury City Centre offices, sites around Kent and, occasionally, East Sussex, as well as home working. The role requires some flexibility in work pattern to accommodate tidal working, and you are required to have a full driving licence and your own car.

Main Duties

• Provide technical input during design reviews and site meetings for both Canterbury CC and external clients.
• Produce high‑quality designs, technical drawings, and CAD models for a variety of engineering projects for Canterbury CC and external clients.
• Act as a site supervisor, coordinating contractors, monitoring progress and ensuring safe working practices.
• Oversee procurement, contract management, project governance, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure projects comply with CDM, health and safety legislation, and council procedures.
• Mentor junior engineers and support the development of in‑house technical expertise.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant academic qualifications; HNC in Civil Engineering
• Professional qualification from the Institution of Civil Engineers; Technician Member of Institution of Civil Engineers (desirable).
• Demonstratable experience of all types of civil engineering processes, contract procurement.
• Project management and site supervision with the ability to negotiate and find pragmatic solutions on site.
• Proven track record in all aspects of construction projects including beach management and sea defence works and watercourse structures.
• Solid understanding of CDM Regulations 2015 and health & safety requirements.
• Strong proficiency in CAD software and proven experience of complex drawings.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• The post requires you to have a full driving licence and access to a car.

Interviews are planned to take place in the week commencing 5 January 2026.

So, if this Project Engineer job opportunity in Canterbury looks right for you, please apply today! Simply click the “Apply Online” button and create your account to begin your application form.

For an informal discussion about this post please contact Claire French, Coastal Engineer at [e-mail]

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Canterbury City Council.

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in everything we do. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is valued, included and respected. Our diversity strengthens our ability to serve the diverse communities we support through our work. To demonstrate this through our actions, all applications are anonymised for the shortlisting panel, allowing all applicants to be assessed on merit alone.