Job Title:
Principal Engineer - Civil Engineering
Salary:
£50,000 to £65,000 (dependent on experience)
Location:
Derby (Hybrid working available)
Type:
Permanent | Hybrid
About the Role:
Our client is looking to strengthen their engineering team with the appointment of a Principal Civil Engineer based in Derby, offering flexible hybrid working.
Reporting directly to the Regional Discipline Lead, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality civil engineering design solutions across major water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Your role will focus on reducing risk, maximising value, and ensuring designs are safe, compliant, commercially viable, and buildable.
You will lead design coordination activities, produce and review technical documentation, mentor engineers, and influence best practice across multi-disciplinary teams working on complex design and build contracts.
About Our Client:
Our client is a leading integrated design and build contractor operating within the UK water sector. They support multiple long-term frameworks and deliver projects both independently and through joint ventures and alliances.
They place people at the heart of everything they do, investing heavily in professional development, diversity, wellbeing, and creating an environment where engineers are trusted, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver civil engineering designs that are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and practical to construct
Take a whole-life cost approach to design, considering design time, materials, construction, and programme impacts
Apply standard engineering practices wherever possible to maintain competitiveness
Provide technical estimates and support to bids and proposals teams
Coordinate designs across internal and external multi-disciplinary teams
Develop, review, and continuously improve engineering procedures and processes
Maintain accurate design files, records, and technical documentation throughout project lifecycles
Ensure all designs comply with health, safety, and environmental requirements
Support and promote a strong customer-focused culture
Mentor and develop engineers, including acting as a Delegated Engineer for ICE
Line manage team members and support their technical and professional growth
Promote a safe, efficient, and low-waste working environment
What Our Client is Looking For:
Essential requirements:
Strong experience in civil engineering design within the water and wastewater sector
Chartered or Incorporated Member of ICE or IStructE
Minimum of 10 years' industry experience
Proven experience managing and developing engineering teams
Relevant civil engineering degree
Ability to rationalise designs and deliver efficient, economic plant layouts
Broad technical knowledge across water treatment disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, process)
Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical solutions clearly and confidently
High level of computer literacy
Full UK driving licence
What Our Client Offers:
Salary of £50,000 to £65,000, dependent on experience
Hybrid working (role dependent)
Car or car allowance (role dependent)
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days
Pension contribution scheme
Life assurance
Private medical insurance and health cover
Cycle to work scheme
Employee discounts and benefits platform
Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development
Eligibility:
Right to work in the UK
Ability to attend the Derby office as part of a hybrid working arrangement
Opportunity for Growth:
This role offers a clear pathway into senior technical leadership or management positions. You will have the opportunity to influence engineering standards, mentor future leaders, and play a key role in delivering essential UK water infrastructure projects.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status