Senior Principal Civil Engineer

ERSG Ltd; Birmingham; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is looking for a Senior / Principal Civil Engineer specializing in drainage design for rail infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will lead the development of innovative drainage solutions while ensuring compliance with Network Rail standards. This remote role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, hydraulic modelling, and preparing high-quality design documentation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the design and delivery of drainage systems.
• Familiarity with Network Rail standards and UK regulatory frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of drainage principles and flood risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of drainage designs for rail projects.
• Undertake hydraulic modelling and catchment assessments.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Skills

Experience in drainage design for rail

Hydraulic modelling

Knowledge of UK regulations

Communication skills

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Tools

MicroDrainage

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

Job description

Senior / Principal Civil Engineer (Drainage - Rail)

Location: Remote working / Ad-hoc office visits

Outisde IR35

Role Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Civil Engineer with specialist expertise in drainage design for rail infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the planning, design, and delivery of drainage solutions in line with Network Rail standards, industry regulations, and client requirements. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant projects within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the development of drainage designs, including track drainage, culverts, outfalls, and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS).
• Undertake hydraulic modelling, catchment assessments, and capacity analysis to inform drainage solutions.
• Ensure all work complies with Network Rail standards, UK legislation, and relevant technical specifications.
• Prepare high-quality design documentation including drawings, technical reports, and calculations.
• Support the preparation of drainage strategies, feasibility assessments, and option selection reports.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including track, geotechnical, structural, and environmental engineers to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Undertake site inspections, surveys, and assessments to validate design outputs and inform constructability.
• Provide technical input into risk assessments, method statements, and health and safety documentation.
• Engage effectively with clients, contractors, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Deliver projects within agreed budgets, programmes, and quality requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in the design and delivery of drainage systems within rail infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of drainage principles, hydraulic modelling, and flood risk management.
• Familiarity with Network Rail standards and UK regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in relevant design software packages (e.g. MicroDrainage, Civil 3D, AutoCAD).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present technical documentation.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or demonstrable progress towards chartership (ICE or equivalent).
• Experience in the design and application of SuDS and green infrastructure solutions.
• Knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital engineering processes.
• Site experience working with contractors during the construction phase.
• Personal Track Safety (PTS) certification.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of cost management within engineering projects.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous professional development.

ersg are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit.