Principal Engineer - Civil Engineering

Job Description:

Principal Engineer - Civil Engineering

£50,000 to £65,000 (dependent on experience)

Derby (Hybrid working available)

Permanent | Hybrid

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.

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.

• 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

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

• 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

• Right to work in the UK
• Ability to attend the Derby office as part of a hybrid working arrangement

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.