Engineer the Future of Infrastructure
We are proud to have secured several project wins as we provide sustainable solutions to our clients’ aspirations. With growing project deliverables and a strong growth strategy for Scotland, we currently have an opportunity for a Principal Civil Engineer to join our team in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
As a Principal Civil Engineer, you will take responsibility for leading the delivery of complex civil engineering projects from concept through to construction design. You will provide technical leadership and strategic input across highways/roads, access tracks, bridges, retaining structures, drainage systems, and associated works, ensuring buildability, value engineering, and compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.
You will oversee the development of concept designs for planning and third‑party consents/approvals, preparation of sustainable drainage proposals, and liaison with statutory consultees such as Local Authorities, SEPA, and EA. Acting as the client’s primary point of contact, you will manage design packages, lead multi‑disciplinary coordination, and ensure timely delivery to programme and budget. You will also mentor and guide senior and junior engineers, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to quality assurance processes.
From design concept to construction stage, you will actively manage health, safety, and environmental hazards, communicate residual risks effectively, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements and guidance. You will play a key role in implementing project management frameworks and supporting work‑winning activities to drive business growth.
Your Impact in This Position
You will be instrumental in delivering infrastructure that supports economic growth and sustainable development. Success in this role is measured through technical leadership, strategic thinking, and proactive collaboration. In the short term, you will focus on leading high‑quality design outputs and supporting project delivery. Over time, you will take on greater responsibility for client engagement, business development, and shaping our infrastructure offering across Scotland.
Technical Expertise in Civil Infrastructure Design
Bring extensive experience in civil engineering design and project delivery, ideally within highways/roads, renewable energy, or major infrastructure projects. You must be proficient in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and drainage design software such as Causeway Flow or MicroDrainage, and have a strong understanding of industry standards such as DMRB, sustainable drainage design principles, and hydraulic modelling. Knowledge of construction methodologies, material specifications, and testing requirements is essential.
Leadership & Strategic Delivery
Demonstrate proven experience in managing large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary projects and leading design teams to deliver exceptional results. Take ownership of project planning, resource allocation, and technical oversight, ensuring all deliverables meet programme, budget, and quality requirements. Inspire and mentor senior and junior engineers, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. Strong organisational, commercial awareness, and prioritisation skills are required.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Excellent communication skills are essential. Represent the business confidently in client meetings, technical workshops, and stakeholder consultations. Prepare detailed technical reports, present design solutions, and respond to queries promptly to maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and statutory bodies.
Innovation & Sustainability Leadership
Champion innovative approaches to civil engineering design, integrating sustainability principles into every stage of project delivery. Identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, optimise material reuse, and implement low‑impact construction techniques. Contribute to whole‑life carbon assessments and embed best‑practice methodologies that align with environmental objectives.
Commercial Awareness & Client Focus
Demonstrate a strong understanding of project economics, including cost control, risk management, and value engineering. Anticipate client needs, provide strategic advice, and contribute to work‑winning activities to strengthen relationships and support business growth. Prepare bids, develop proposals, and ensure technical solutions align with commercial objectives.
Mandatory Requirements
Hold a BSc, BEng, MSc, or MEng degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and have extensive experience in civil engineering design and project delivery, ideally within highways/roads, renewable energy, or major infrastructure projects. Proven technical competence in geometric design, drainage systems, and earthworks, strong understanding of HSQE principles and statutory requirements, and confidence in leading multi‑disciplinary teams. Full UK driving licence required.
Desirable
Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status with ICE or CIHT is highly desirable; candidates working toward accreditation are also considered. Experience in work‑winning activities and client relationship management is advantageous, as is familiarity with environmental impact assessments, permitting processes, sustainable drainage systems, hydraulic modelling, project management frameworks, and quality assurance processes.
Work Patterns and Locations
Based in Edinburgh or Glasgow with an expectation of at least two days per week on site. Hybrid working is available, with flexibility in line with project and client requirements.
Equal Opportunities
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.
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