At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative civil engineering projects for urban development and sustainable design.
- Company: Join Arcadis, a global leader in sustainable engineering and consultancy.
- Benefits: Empowering work culture, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of urban spaces while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in civil engineering; experience in drainage, highways, and utilities preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
The Places Design Practice is seeking a career-driven Principal Engineer with proven experience in civil engineering and urban development for building projects. Key expertise includes surface & foul drainage, utilities, ground/earthworks, and highways interfaces. Experience in Industrial Manufacturing, Tech, or Defence projects is a plus.
You will support Urban Development services, collaborating across GBA teams, GEC, and global Places experts.
Role Accountabilities- Lead engineering activities aligned with sustainable development and Arcadis Health & Safety standards.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive, high-quality design solutions.
- Define and implement project collaboration strategies with global design teams.
- Manage design deliverables: drawings, BIM models, reports, and specifications.
- Review team outputs and attend project meetings to maintain accuracy.
- Oversee engineering management aligned with Arcadis Integrated Management System.
- Own Designer Hazard Logs and communicate residual risks to Principal Designer.
- Coordinate project planning, resource allocation, and team management.
- Maintain Design Decision Logs and Project Assumptions registers.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and apprentices.
- Degree qualified with Chartered or Incorporated status; near-chartered candidates considered.
- Proven track record in civil engineering/urban development design and delivery, including drainage, highways, and utilities.
- Proficient in MicroDrainage/InfoDrainage, AutoCAD Civil3D, and BIM integration.
- Strong knowledge of design standards (SuDS, SfA, DMRB, Building Regulations).
- Experienced in project management: planning, programming, commercial, and client relations.
- Skilled at leading teams and supporting professional development.
- Applies evidence-based engineering solutions with sound theoretical knowledge.
- Competent in manual calculation methods alongside software tools.
Why Arcadis? We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together. You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you. Together, we can create a lasting legacy. Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.
Principal Civil Engineer - Urban Development in Cambridge employer: Arcadis
Arcadis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and innovation in urban development. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects while collaborating with diverse teams across the globe. Our inclusive environment fosters creativity and empowers you to make a meaningful difference in the world, all while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your unique contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer - Urban Development in Cambridge
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your expertise in civil engineering and urban development. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those involving drainage, highways, or utilities. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research Arcadis and understand their values, projects, and the role you're applying for. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions of your own to show your interest and enthusiasm.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Arcadis family. Let’s make an impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer - Urban Development in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in civil engineering, urban development, and any relevant software like AutoCAD Civil3D. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainable design and how your background aligns with our values at Arcadis. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for the Principal Civil Engineer role.
Showcase Your Projects:Include examples of past projects that demonstrate your experience in drainage, highways, and utilities. We love seeing tangible evidence of your work, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements and the impact they had!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcadis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil engineering knowledge, especially in areas like drainage, highways, and utilities. Familiarise yourself with relevant design standards such as SuDS and DMRB, as well as software tools like MicroDrainage and AutoCAD Civil3D. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think about specific projects where you led or contributed to a team effort, and highlight how you ensured cohesive design solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within Arcadis's collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and theoretical knowledge. Practice explaining your approach to engineering challenges, particularly those related to urban development. Use real-life examples to illustrate your thought process and decision-making, which will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Experience
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be expected to provide technical leadership and mentorship. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams and supporting professional development. Share specific instances where you've guided junior engineers or technicians, and how you fostered a positive learning environment. This will show that you can take on the responsibilities of the role.
