Senior/Principal Civil Engineer

GirlingJones; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering consultancy is looking for a Senior or Principal Civil Engineer to join their Exeter team. This role involves delivering designs for drainage and highways, with a strong focus on residential projects as well as others. Candidates should have experience in this field, be chartered or working towards chartership, and possess proficiency in civil design software like AutoCAD. Competitive salary between £40,000 and £60,000 with benefits including a bonus and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Performance-based annual bonus

Pension

Health cash plan

Wellbeing perks

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in drainage and highways projects in residential sector.
• Chartered or working towards chartership with a professional body.
• Proficient in civil design software and digital design practices.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Develop drainage strategies and highways designs for diverse projects.
• Produce detailed technical documentation including design calculations.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and support junior engineers.
• Assist in business development and foster client relationships.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Civil design software proficiency

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

Chartered status or working towards chartership

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Location: Exeter Salary: £40,000 - £60,000 per annum

The Role

A leading, anonymous civil engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Civil Engineer to join its team. You will play an important role in delivering integrated drainage and highways designs, with a strong emphasis on projects within the residential sector. In addition, you will work on commercial, mixed‑use, and industrial schemes, ensuring that all designs meet technical, safety, and sustainability standards from initial concept through to construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Development of drainage strategies and highways design for diverse projects, with a focus on residential applications.
• Produce detailed technical documentation, including design calculations, reports, and specifications.
• Support multidisciplinary teams to integrate civil designs with broader project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, including SuDS principles.
• Support junior civil engineers, promoting professional development.
• Assist in business development and help foster strong client relationships.

Requirements

• Experience in delivering drainage and highways projects within the residential sector, as well as exposure to commercial and industrial projects.
• Chartered (or working towards chartership) with a recognised professional institution (e.g., ICE, IStructE) desirable.
• Proficiency in civil design software (AutoCAD, relevant analysis tools) and modern digital design practices.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver cost-effective, sustainable design solutions.
• Full UK driving licence.

What's In It For You

• Competitive salary from £40,000 to £60,000, negotiable depending on your experience.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Benefits package including pension, health cash plan and wellbeing perks.
• Professional development opportunities with tailored training and support for chartership if applicable.
• A collaborative, innovative work environment.
• Exposure to a broad portfolio of projects across residential, commercial, mixed‑use, and industrial sectors.
• Genuine opportunity to progress to Director/Partner in the future.

The Company

This consultancy is well established and recognised for quality civil and structural engineering, delivering cutting‑edge solutions across multiple sectors. With a commitment to technical excellence and sustainability, the company has a diverse project portfolio spanning residential, commercial, mixed‑use, and industrial developments and delivers long‑term value for clients. They have 4 offices across the UK, including their newest Exeter branch.