Principal Engineer (Highways)

SYSTRA UK & Ireland; Newcastle (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Competitive remuneration package including a bonus

Private healthcare

Electric car scheme

Broad suite of flexible benefits

Job summary

SYSTRA UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Engineer (Highways) to join their dynamic team in Newcastle, California. The role focuses on leading highway design projects, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards while delivering high-quality outcomes for public and private sector clients.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in the Highways/Development Infrastructure sector and a civil engineering degree. Benefits include hybrid working arrangements, a competitive remuneration package, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in the Highways/Development Infrastructure sector.
• Extensive civil engineering experience within a consultancy environment.
• Proven ability to lead project teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage designs and assist in delivery of various projects.
• Prepare technical outputs and coordinate with other disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with standards and manage client relationships.

Skills

Highways/Development Infrastructure experience

Highway design knowledge

Project management

Auto-CAD/Civils3D proficiency

Communication skills

Education

MEng/MSc or BEng in Civil Engineering

Chartered status (ICE or CIHT)

Tools

Auto-CAD

Civils3D

Job description

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project‑manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day. For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs.

Role Overview

The primary role of a Principal Engineer (Highways) is to utilise substantial experience to win and deliver projects safely and in accordance with the divisional controls for bidding and revenue and margin delivery on projects, primarily for the Highways team, but working collaboratively across teams and projects as required. The role will form part of an existing team already delivering a varied programme of highway and transportation schemes for a wide range of public and private sector clients across both the local and strategic highway networks. It will focus on development infrastructure projects from feasibility through to detailed design including highway design and drainage design, and associated technical and statutory authority approvals.

Missions / Main Duties

• Managing and leading designs on small projects, whilst also inputting and assisting in delivery, budgets, resourcing, planning, and programming on other projects with the senior team.
• Preparing technical outputs, coordinating with other disciplines and representing the team internally and externally.
• Responsible for the financial, technical and project management control of the civil engineering aspects of projects of various sizes.
• Delegating to, managing and directing Engineers and Technicians involved on projects.
• Supporting the development of less experienced Engineers.
• Responsible for all stages of highway designs (adoptable or non‑adoptable) ensuring compliance with appropriate standards (DMRB, MCHW, MfS, TSM, Local Authority guides, etc).
• Designing and detailing highway and drainage infrastructure.
• Liaising with relevant project teams to ensure designs are fully coordinated.
• Liaising with other construction professionals in the development of designs.
• Assisting and preparing technical outputs within the team (drawings, specifications, cost estimates, contract documents and technical reports).
• Preparing and pricing scope/briefs, proposals and deliverables for new projects.
• Identifying, developing and maintaining relationships with clients and understanding ultimate objectives and desired outcomes for each project, effectively managing client expectations.
• Ensuring successful project delivery to time, cost, quality and other contractual requirements.
• Making presentations to clients, third parties and colleagues as appropriate.
• Attending meetings with clients as required to effectively support project delivery and business development.
• Undertaking site visits to monitor the progress of works against specifications and highlighting issues to the contractor, client and/or project manager as necessary.
• Demonstrating behaviours aligned with SYSTRA’s behavioural framework by fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, respect and empowerment.

Profile / Skills

• Substantial experience in the Highways/Development Infrastructure sector.
• MEng/MSc or BEng in Civil Engineering.
• Chartered status (ICE or CIHT) or working toward a Professional Qualification.
• Extensive civil engineering experience within a consultancy environment.
• Proven ability to take a lead role in project delivery and manage dynamic project teams delivering high‑quality projects successfully.
• Substantial knowledge and experience of delivering highway design and appropriate approval processes.
• Experience of highway technical design on major and minor projects including a good understanding of design principles and the ability to apply them practically.
• Substantial knowledge and use of appropriate standards (DMRB, MCHW, MfS, TSM, Local Authority guides, etc).
• Substantial knowledge of standard engineering practices and a demonstrable understanding of Health and Safety including CDM.
• IT literate with excellent knowledge in the use of Auto‑CAD/Civils3D and/or other civil engineering packages to design and detail highway and drainage infrastructure.
• Experience of project management and responsibility for financial and commercial aspects of projects.
• Experience of drainage design would be beneficial.
• Ability to determine appropriate solutions with innovation and value.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and third parties.
• Ability to effectively mentor and supervise less experienced colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of design teams and project stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and fee proposals which are fit for purpose.
• Ability to effectively represent the Company externally.
• Ability to effectively manage own workload and prioritise competing demands.

Desirable

• Experience of working with public and private sector is preferable.
• Knowledge of and engagement with the civil engineering industry.
• Adaptable, self‑motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking, and desire to self‑progress.
• Flexibility, agility, and a willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to see the bigger picture and understand the consequences of decisions.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Competitive remuneration package including a bonus.
• Private healthcare.
• Electric car scheme.
• Broad suite of flexible benefits.

EEO / Accessibility

Apply and find out more about how SYSTRA can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email [e-mail] where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.