Principal Engineer - Cable Route Management in London

Principal Engineer - Cable Route Management in London

London Full-Time No home office possible
Carrington West

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cable route management design for the Piccadilly Line and oversee a team of engineers.
  • Company: Join a collaborative team focused on modernising London's transport network.
  • Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible working, and a chance to lead high-profile projects.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a fast-paced environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on London's infrastructure while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cable route design and strong stakeholder management skills required.

Are you a Principal Civil / Structural Engineer with strong experience in Cable Route Management Design? Do you have experience working on London Underground / TFL assets?

Rate: £50–£55 per hour outside IR35

Contract length: Initial 6 months

Start date: ASAP

Location: Central London (Tues‑Thurs) / Mon & Fri from home

We are seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the cable route management (CMS) design for the Piccadilly Line New Works. If you have a proven track record in leading cable route management projects and thrive in a client‑facing role, this position offers the perfect challenge for you to take full ownership of a high‑profile infrastructure project. You will be joining a team delivering a critical infrastructure upgrade for the Piccadilly Line. This project, focused on cable route design, is a key package of work for a major client and is vital to the modernisation of London's transport network.

This is a highly client‑facing leadership role where you will operate directly under the Director, taking responsibility for project delivery, stakeholder management, and team coordination. You will manage a team of two engineers, ensuring deliverables are achieved within a challenging programme and cost framework. The successful candidate must be dynamic, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities. You will be expected to confidently manage change, react quickly to project issues, and provide clients with clear updates and solutions. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, including the ability to push back professionally when required, manage client expectations appropriately, and provide direct, honest answers while maintaining strong working relationships.

Company Culture

You will be part of a collaborative and results‑driven team that values proactive and engaged professionals. The culture encourages face‑to‑face interaction to drive projects forward, balanced with the flexibility that modern professionals require.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the project and act as the main point of contact for the client and TFL.
  • Manage the design process and oversee a team of junior engineers.
  • Perform assurance and Category 2 checks on designs.
  • Attend and lead weekly client meetings.
  • Ensure design packages are delivered in line with programme and cost requirements.
  • Manage change effectively and communicate project impacts clearly to stakeholders.
  • React quickly to issues and implement practical solutions to maintain project progress.
  • Build strong client relationships while confidently managing expectations and challenging decisions where necessary in a professional manner.

Requirements

  • Essential experience working within the London Underground (LU) environment and a strong understanding of its assurance processes (e.g. CDS).
  • An understanding of cable route design is required to guide the team and check work.
  • Must be a strong, professional communicator comfortable in a client‑facing leadership role.
  • Ability to manage stakeholders, navigate change, and work under programme pressure.
  • Confident in providing direct feedback and managing client expectations appropriately.
  • Ability to work 2–3 days per week at the client's Central London office.

This is a contract role with an initial duration of approximately 9 months.

Principal Engineer - Cable Route Management in London employer: Carrington West

As a Principal Engineer at our company, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to delivering critical infrastructure upgrades for the Piccadilly Line. Our Central London location offers a vibrant work environment with the flexibility of remote work, fostering a culture that values proactive engagement and strong client relationships. We prioritise professional growth, providing opportunities to lead high-profile projects while ensuring a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation and teamwork.

Carrington West

Contact Detail:

Carrington West Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Cable Route Management in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or classmates. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and the specific role you’re applying for. Think about how your experience in cable route management aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your leadership and problem-solving skills.

Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Engineer position.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, get clicking and let’s land that job together!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Cable Route Management in London

Cable Route Management Design
London Underground Experience
Stakeholder Management
Project Delivery
Team Coordination
Client-Facing Communication
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Cable Route Management and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those related to London Underground or TFL assets. We want to see how your skills match the role!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this Principal Engineer role. Share specific examples of your leadership in cable route management projects and how you’ve successfully managed client relationships.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role is highly client-facing, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can manage expectations and provide clear updates, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process. Let’s get started on this journey together!

How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West

Know Your Cable Route Management Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cable route management design, especially in the context of London Underground projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise and how you've successfully led similar projects.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, think of instances where you've effectively managed client expectations or navigated challenging conversations. Practise articulating these experiences clearly, as strong communication is key to impressing the interviewers.

Demonstrate Your Leadership Style

As you'll be leading a team of engineers, it's important to convey your leadership approach. Prepare to discuss how you motivate your team, manage change, and ensure project deliverables are met. Highlight any successful outcomes from your previous leadership roles.

Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions related to cable route design and assurance processes. Brush up on relevant standards and practices, and be ready to explain how you would handle specific design challenges or project issues that may arise during the project lifecycle.