At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead geotechnical designs for sustainable rail projects, ensuring high standards and compliance.
- Company: COWI is dedicated to creating a sustainable world, rejecting fossil fuel projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days' holiday, private healthcare, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a team that values sustainability, innovation, and personal growth in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Chartered status in engineering or geology, MSc in relevant fields, and significant design experience required.
- Other info: COWI promotes diversity and offers a fun, inclusive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Do you want to be part of a business that says No to Fossil Fuels projects? Can you lead on Geotechnical designs? Are you experienced in the Rail sector? Then, shape a sustainable and liveable world with us.
To further enhance our Ground Engineering team, we are looking for a Principal Engineer to join us. Working on Rail projects you’ll lead our existing geotechnical engineering projects in York, on both locally and international projects.
Your key responsibilities will be:
- Acting as Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE) for design within the geotechnical discipline to manage discipline delivery through the Network Rail assurance process, including application of the Network Rail acceptance, review, derogation and non-compliance process.
- Production of rail and ground engineering designs, assessment and checking work including preparation and checking of calculations, written reports, drawings, specifications and other contract deliverables.
- Supervising, mentoring and developing less experienced engineers and technicians within your project teams, working with line managers to maximise training opportunities.
- Ensuring that design, assessments and checking of designs are in accordance with the current Standards, Codes of Practice and Best Practice.
- Assisting with the preparation of bids and tenders and supporting the pursuit of business development opportunities as required.
- Overseeing the delivery of your projects to time and budget, ensuring a high standard of sustainability, technical quality and compliance with our internal management systems.
- Developing and maintaining Client relationships through your project work, including identifying and realising any potential business opportunities.
Your skills. Our team. Together we design the future.
Like us, you believe that leadership success comes from setting a clear and meaningful direction for your team and supporting them in taking ownership of their work. You always delegate responsibility and ensure an open and safe dialogue, and you coach your people to achieve their aspirations through constructive, fact-based feedback. Attracting and nurturing a diverse group of high-potential team members is at the top of your agenda, as is creating an inclusive, caring and trusting culture in your team.
On top of that, you’ll have:
- Achieved Chartered status either as an engineer or engineering geologist (CEng, CGeol, or equivalent).
- An MSc in either Engineering Geology or Geotechnical Engineering.
- A high level of technical skills in the Engineering Geology or Geotechnical Engineering discipline.
- Significant experience in a design environment working on rail, tunnelling or infrastructure projects in the UK or internationally.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary project teams and overseeing the delivery of projects, either as client's or contractor's designer.
- Evidence of undertaking previous CRE roles under the Engineering Management for Project standard (NR/L2/RSE/02009).
- Evidence of participating in IDCs or joint IDC/IDRs as a discipline specialist.
- Thorough understanding of Eurocode 7 and UK annex design codes.
- Sound understanding of CDM Regulations, specifically the Designer's requirements and the risk assessment process.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills with the ability to support, mentor and develop less experienced engineers.
At COWI, we work together with our customers to shape a sustainable and liveable world. We do it by applying our knowledge and curiosity - and sometimes even our courage - to create the solutions the world needs today to enable a better tomorrow. That is why we say no to fossil-based projects and aspire to have 100% of our revenue come from activities that move our customers towards sustainability.
We value differences and development and cultivate an environment of belonging and having fun. Because that is what brings out the best in you, at work and at home.
What we also offer:
- 28 days' holiday (plus bank and public holidays).
- Formalised development plans and yearly promotion opportunities.
- Private health care, for you and your immediate dependents.
- Flexible and hybrid working conditions.
- Annual subscription fees paid for your membership of two Professional Institutions.
- Group personal pension scheme - salary exchange.
- Life assurance.
If you have any unanswered questions about the role or what we have to offer, please reach out to Ciaran Gilfedder at CIGI@COWI.COM.
Equal opportunity employer. COWI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Principal Engineer (Geotechnical/Rail) 1 employer: COWI
Contact Detail:
COWI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer (Geotechnical/Rail) 1
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the geotechnical and rail sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and opportunities. This can help you gain insights into COWI's work culture and projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with COWI's recent projects and initiatives, especially those focused on sustainability and innovative engineering solutions. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company’s mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in mentoring less experienced engineers. COWI values a supportive team culture, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered growth and collaboration in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your knowledge of Eurocode 7 and UK design codes, as well as CDM Regulations. Being well-versed in these standards will show that you are not only technically proficient but also committed to compliance and best practices in your engineering work.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer (Geotechnical/Rail) 1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in geotechnical engineering and the rail sector. Emphasise any relevant projects you've worked on, particularly those that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable engineering and how it aligns with COWI's mission. Mention specific experiences that showcase your ability to lead projects and mentor junior engineers.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, such as your Chartered status and MSc in Engineering Geology or Geotechnical Engineering. Make sure to include any certifications related to Network Rail processes and Eurocode 7.
Showcase Teamwork and Communication Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in multidisciplinary teams and mentored less experienced engineers. Highlight your communication skills and how they have contributed to project success.
How to prepare for a job interview at COWI
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your high level of technical skills in Engineering Geology or Geotechnical Engineering. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly in the rail sector, and how your expertise contributed to their success.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring
COWI values leadership that fosters team development. Share examples of how you've mentored less experienced engineers and created an inclusive team environment. Highlight your approach to delegating responsibilities and encouraging open dialogue.
✨Understand Sustainability Goals
COWI is committed to sustainability and moving away from fossil fuels. Familiarise yourself with their mission and be ready to discuss how your work aligns with these values. Show your passion for creating sustainable solutions in engineering.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Given the role's focus on overseeing project delivery, expect questions about your experience managing projects within budget and time constraints. Prepare to discuss your approach to ensuring compliance with standards and codes, as well as how you maintain client relationships.