Senior / Principal Engineer

Matchtech; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking a Senior / Principal Drainage Engineer for our Transport & Infrastructure team, based in Manchester or Mold with hybrid working.

You will deliver drainage design solutions across a varied portfolio, lead project delivery, mentor junior staff, and liaise with clients and stakeholders. The role offers exposure to local authority schemes, major infrastructure design, and development projects while supporting budgets and schedules.

Qualifications

• BEng in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum 3+ years' experience in civil engineering, with a focus on drainage design.
• Strong experience in residential and commercial development projects.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software (e.g. MicroDrainage, Causeway Flow, AutoCAD).
• Experience preparing drainage strategies, FRAs, and S104/S106 agreements.
• Good knowledge of drainage design standards, legislation, and construction practices.
• Understanding of Health & Safety and CDM Regulations.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills.
• Ability to manage and coordinate design inputs across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Deliver drainage and infrastructure designs in line with project requirements and relevant standards.
• Prepare technical reports, including drainage strategies and Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs).
• Lead or support project delivery, including delegation and supervision of junior staff.
• Review and approve designs (internal and third-party).
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and external bodies.
• Support site-based activities where required.
• Manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and project objectives.
• Contribute to a collaborative and positive team culture.

Skills

Drainage design

Client-facing

Project coordination

Team mentoring

Education

BEng in Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroDrainage

Causeway Flow

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Description

Job Title:

Senior / Principal Drainage Engineer

Location:

Manchester or Mold (Hybrid Working)

Employment Type:

Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Specialism:

Highways & Transport Infrastructure

About the Company

We are a specialist advisory and technical consultancy operating across the built and natural environment, delivering sustainable solutions that shape better outcomes for communities. With a heritage dating back to 1926, we combine technical excellence, commercial awareness, and innovation to deliver client-focused solutions across infrastructure, buildings, and regeneration sectors. Our work is underpinned by a long-term commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will join a growing and collaborative Transport & Infrastructure team, working as part of a wider national, multidisciplinary network. The role offers exposure to a broad range of projects and the opportunity to contribute to high-quality engineering outcomes across multiple sectors. Current project work includes:

• Local Authority framework commissions
• Active travel schemes
• Major infrastructure design (S278, S38, S104)
• Residential and mixed-use developments

You will play a key role in delivering drainage design solutions across a varied portfolio of work, taking responsibility for technical outputs, project coordination, and client engagement. In addition to design responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to contribute to:

• Project management and delivery
• Budgeting and cost control
• Feasibility studies and scheme reporting
• Bills of quantities and commercial outputs

You will also support and mentor junior team members, helping ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver drainage and infrastructure designs in line with project requirements and relevant standards
• Prepare technical reports, including drainage strategies and Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs)
• Lead or support project delivery, including delegation and supervision of junior staff
• Review and approve designs (internal and third-party)
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and external bodies
• Support site-based activities where required
• Manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and project objectives
• Contribute to a collaborative and positive team culture

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

Essential

• BEng in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
• Minimum 3+ years' experience in civil engineering, with a focus on drainage design
• Strong experience in residential and commercial development projects
• Proficiency in industry-standard software (e.g. MicroDrainage, Causeway Flow, AutoCAD)
• Experience preparing drainage strategies, FRAs, and S104/S106 agreements
• Good knowledge of drainage design standards, legislation, and construction practices
• Understanding of Health & Safety and CDM Regulations
• Strong communication and client-facing skills
• Ability to manage and coordinate design inputs across multiple disciplines

Desirable

• Experience managing project budgets and financial performance
• Experience in utility coordination and clash detection
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members
• Knowledge of Civils 3D and highway design/specifications
• Experience working in fast-paced infrastructure or design environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Key Competencies

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines
• Ability to work effectively under pressure within complex project environments
• High level of attention to detail and technical accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative approach with a commitment to team and personal development

What's on Offer

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• A supportive, collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development
• Exposure to a diverse and challenging project portfolio
• Competitive salary and benefits package