Principal Civil Engineer

Our Water consultancy client is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to be based out of their London (Farringdon), Manchester or Leeds office on a permanent basis with hybrid working.

You will play a key role in delivering technically excellent, multi‑disciplinary projects across the water and industrial sectors.

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you'll contribute to the successful delivery of projects from feasibility through to detailed design, working closely with Project Managers, Design Managers and technical specialists across the business. You'll take ownership of smaller projects or discrete elements of larger schemes, while also supporting the development of junior engineers.

This role offers exposure to a wide variety of projects, including water and wastewater treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations and associated civil and structural infrastructure.

Key responsibilities

Lead and deliver civil engineering design from feasibility to detailed design, including calculations and technical inputs
Manage and coordinate the preparation of technical drawings, reports and documentation
Support the delivery of projects to budget, programme and quality targets
Take responsibility for smaller projects or defined elements of larger schemes
Assist with financial and commercial management of engineering commissions
Mentor and supervise junior engineers, supporting technical development and knowledge sharing
Apply relevant British Standards, water industry standards and company best practice
Work collaboratively within multi‑disciplinary design teams to deliver best‑for‑project outcomes
Contribute to a strong safety, quality and performance culture

Skills/experience/qualifications

You'll be an experienced civil engineer with a strong technical background in the water sector and a collaborative, delivery‑focused mindset.
8+ years' experience in civil engineering design, ideally within water and/or industrial sectors
Experience delivering designs for water retaining structures, treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations and associated infrastructure
Strong experience preparing and checking high‑quality calculations, drawings, reports and technical documentation
Good understanding of multi‑disciplinary design environments
Experience leading projects or technical workstreams
Confidence working to British Standards and water industry standards, using industry‑leading analysis and design software
Degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Chartered Engineer status with the ICE, or actively working towards chartership
Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers
Exposure to design & build project environments

Benefits

Salary circa £60- 75k but client open to discussion based on their view on experience
25 days holiday plus bank holiday
Hybrid working options (2 days per week from home)
Diverse and interesting projects across the UK water sector
Structured learning, mentoring and chartership support
A strong focus on safety, quality and sustainability
A positive, inclusive culture that supports long‑term career development