Senior / Principal Civil Engineer

Girling Jones Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Civil Engineer in Exeter. The role involves delivering integrated drainage and highways designs, focusing on residential projects. Candidates must have experience with relevant projects, strong communication skills, and proficiency in civil design software such as AutoCAD. This position offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, professional development opportunities, and a culture that fosters innovation and progression towards director or partner roles.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based annual bonus

Pension

Health cash plan

Wellbeing perks

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience delivering drainage and highways projects within the residential sector.
• Proficiency in civil design software and modern digital design practices.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Develop drainage strategies and highways design for diverse projects.
• Produce detailed technical documentation, including design calculations.
• Support multidisciplinary teams and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• Assist in business development and promote professional development of junior engineers.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Civil design software proficiency

Knowledge of drainage and highways 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.

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 deliver long‑term value for clients. They have 4 offices across the UK, including their newest Exeter branch