Principal Engineer (Highways, Development & Infrastructure)

Overview

As Principal Engineer (Highways) you will lead and deliver highway and drainage infrastructure projects from feasibility to detailed design, working within a multidisciplinary team to meet time, cost and quality goals. You will manage design efforts, coordinate with other disciplines, and develop client relationships to secure successful project outcomes. This role combines technical leadership with business development and mentoring of junior engineers. You will contribute to SYSTRA’s mission of delivering sustainable, accessible transport solutions at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• bonus package
• private healthcare
• electric car scheme
• flexible benefits
• hybrid working
• Wellbeing programme and health checks

Responsibilities

• Lead designs on small projects and assist in delivery, budgeting, resourcing, planning and programming
• Prepare technical outputs and coordinate with other disciplines; represent the team externally
• Manage financial, technical and project management controls for civil engineering aspects
• Delegate, manage and direct Engineers and Technicians on projects
• Mentor less experienced Engineers and support their development
• Ensure highway designs (adoptable/non‑adoptable) comply with standards (DMRB, MCHW, MfS, TSM, Local Authority guides)
• Design and detail highway and drainage infrastructure
• Coordinate with project teams to ensure fully coordinated designs and liaise with other construction professionals
• Prepare drawings, specifications, cost estimates, contract documents and technical reports; assist with scope/proposals for new projects
• Identify, develop and manage client relationships and align with project objectives
• Deliver projects to time, cost, quality and contractual requirements; make presentations as needed
• Attend client meetings and undertake site visits to monitor progress and address issues
• Demonstrate a culture of excellence, collaboration, respect, and empowerment within the team

Key requirements

• Substantial experience in the Highways/Development Infrastructure sector
• MEng/MSc or BEng in Civil Engineering
• Chartered status (ICE or CIHT) or working toward Professional Qualification
• Extensive civil engineering consultancy experience
• Proven ability to lead project delivery and manage dynamic teams
• Strong knowledge of highway design and approval processes
• Experience with highway design on major and minor projects; practical understanding of design principles
• Strong knowledge of standards (DMRB, MCHW, MfS, TSM, Local Authority guides)
• Health and safety knowledge including CDM; IT literate with AutoCAD/Civil 3D or similar
• Experience in project management and financial/commercial aspects; drainage design beneficial
• Excellent written and verbal communication; mentoring ability
• Ability to work collaboratively with design teams and stakeholders
• Ability to prepare technical reports and fee proposals; represent the company externally
• Ability to manage workload and prioritise competing demands

• Effective communication
• Mentoring and coaching
• Collaboration and teamwork
• AutoCAD/Civil 3D
• Highways design and drainage design
• Knowledge of DMRB, MCHW, MfS, TSM, Local Authority guides

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