Principal Civil Engineer

Overview

In this Exeter-based role, you will lead our civil engineering delivery on infrastructure, highways and drainage projects, spanning feasibility through detailed design. You’ll manage projects, engage clients and mentor junior staff, contributing to a diverse portfolio and team development. The position supports chartership and ongoing professional growth, within a consultancy that values collaboration and work-life balance. You will shape project outcomes and help develop the next generation of engineers.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced employer pension contributions
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working
• Ongoing CPD and professional development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Deliver infrastructure, highway and drainage designs across a range of development projects
• Manage projects through feasibility, preliminary design and detailed design stages
• Prepare and review technical reports, calculations and design documentation
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders
• Support project delivery, programme management and commercial objectives
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring support to junior engineers and technicians
• Ensure designs comply with current legislation, industry standards and best practice

Key requirements

• BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering
• Proven experience within a UK civil engineering consultancy environment
• Experience delivering infrastructure, drainage and highways design projects
• Strong understanding of UK design standards and engineering best practice
• Experience working on residential, commercial or mixed-use development schemes
• Strong client-facing skills and commercial awareness
• Ability to produce clear, concise and technically accurate reports
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior colleagues
• Membership of a relevant professional institution or working towards professional accreditation

• Strong client-facing skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Commercial awareness
• Knowledge of industry-standard highways and drainage design software
• Experience delivering infrastructure, drainage and highways design
• Understanding of UK design standards and best practices

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