Senior Civils Design Engineer

Join the fastest-growing rail group in the UK – a dynamic and forward-thinking company committed to delivering excellence in rail infrastructure. Due to ambitious growth plans and continued project success, our client is seeking an experienced Senior Civils Design Engineer to play a key leadership role in the development and delivery of complex rail infrastructure design projects.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative and highly skilled team focused on safety, efficiency, and innovation. With a strong and evolving project pipeline, you\’ll take on a meaningful workload, contribute to industry-leading engineering solutions, and mentor the next generation of engineers.

Whether you\’re looking to enhance your technical leadership or work on nationally significant rail schemes, this role provides the perfect platform for senior career progression in a dynamic, modern environment.

About the company:

Our client delivers top-tier rail infrastructure solutions, managing a diverse portfolio of projects that support the growth and maintenance of the UK\’s vital railway systems. With a focus on collaboration, safety, and quality, the team works closely with partners across the industry to ensure seamless project execution.

Operating from a newly refurbished office and supported by a diverse, growing team, the company has evolved into a full lifecycle solutions provider across the rail sector over the last five years. They are committed to continuous learning, with a strong focus on professional development and structured career advancement.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the civil design of multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure projects, including earthworks, bridges, stations, drainage systems, retaining walls, culverts, and tunnels.
• Oversee the preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs in compliance with Network Rail standards, Eurocodes, and relevant industry legislation.
• Take responsibility for technical quality, coordination, and delivery of civil design packages.
• Conduct and review design risk assessments, feasibility studies, and value engineering exercises.
• Produce and review technical reports, calculations, and specifications.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers, supporting their development and reviewing their work.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders including project managers, contractors, and clients to ensure designs are delivered efficiently and effectively.
• Participate in and lead design reviews, audits, and assurance processes.
• Drive innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across all stages of project delivery.

Key skills and requirements:

• Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering (or equivalent), ideally with chartered or incorporated status (CEng/IEng) or working toward it.
• Proven experience delivering civil engineering designs on rail or major infrastructure projects at a senior level.
• Strong understanding of relevant rail and infrastructure standards (e.g. Network Rail, Eurocodes).
• Proficient in civil design tools such as MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Bentley OpenRail/OpenRoads.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in mentoring junior engineers and managing design teams.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Solid grasp of health, safety, and environmental design considerations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Location Overview:

York – This role is based in the historic city of York, a strategic rail hub with excellent transport connections and a rich engineering heritage. Home to the National Railway Museum and a strong rail industry presence, York offers the perfect environment for rail professionals seeking both professional opportunities and quality of life.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working
• Hybrid Working Model
• 36 days holiday (inc BH)
• 3 standdown days per year
• Gym membership
• Generous bonus structure
• Group Life Assurance
• Overtime and weekend pay

Next Steps

For further details on this exciting role, please click the Apply Now button. If you can specify the best time to talk, please do; we will get in touch when it suits you best. You will then be contacted by one of our specialist consultants, who will provide you with further details about the role.

If you would like to talk ahead of sending us your CV, please give us a call on 0113 416 6663. Please note, any contact is in the strictest confidence, and we will not send your details to any company without your expressed consent to do so.

Is this role almost right for you, but not quite ticking all the boxes? If so, we have loads of other roles available and can also work proactively to help you make that next step.

For every placement we make, Alva Rail plants two trees! We plant one on your behalf and the other on the client\’s behalf. By planting two trees we offset 0.6 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of driving 1,466 miles in a standard car. We want to contribute towards helping save the planet!
Adam Cole

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