Principal Engineer in London

Principal Engineer in London

London Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Citisense

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative transport projects and mentor a dynamic team of engineers.
  • Company: Join a supportive company that values your ideas and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension, and continuous training.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport and active travel infrastructure.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status or relevant degree in civil engineering required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000

Hours: 37.5 Hours per week

Contract: Full Time

Work Style: Flexible working arrangements with minimum 3 days in office

Description: Join our London office as a Principal Engineer and take a leading role in the design and delivery of transport and active travel infrastructure projects. You will act as a technical authority across active travel, highways, public realm and sustainable transport schemes, leading a multidisciplinary team through concept and feasibility through to detailed design, technical approval and construction support. Working closely with local authorities, clients and communities, you will combine engineering judgement, design excellence and commercial leadership to deliver safe and inclusive designs.

As a Principal Engineer, you will:

  • Lead the engineering design and delivery of complex transport projects, particularly active travel, highways, junctions, streets and public realm schemes, from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design, technical approval and construction support.
  • Act as technical lead and design authority, setting the engineering approach, reviewing drawings and reports whilst ensuring outputs are safe, buildable and of a high quality.
  • Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, technicians, consultants and graduates, providing technical direction, mentoring and support for ongoing professional development.
  • Manage project scope, programme, budget, resources and risk whilst maintaining quality assurance and design governance throughout the entire project lifecycle.
  • Apply relevant UK legislation, standards and guidance, including CDM 2015, DMRB, Manual for Streets, LTN 1/20 and local authority design standards whilst demonstrating professional judgement.
  • Build trusted relationships with clients, local authorities, elected members, stakeholders and communities, communicating complex technical issues clearly and representing the company at senior meetings and reviews.
  • Support business growth through fee proposals, bids, framework submissions and key-account development.

Essential Experience and Skills:

  • Working towards or already achieved Chartered Engineer status (CEng) with a relevant professional institution, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) or an equivalent recognised body.
  • A relevant degree, or equivalent qualification and experience, in civil engineering, highways, transport engineering or a related discipline.
  • Substantial experience leading the design and delivery of technically complex transport infrastructure projects in the UK.
  • Strong demonstrable experience in active travel design, including walking, wheeling and cycling schemes, with a clear understanding of inclusive design and Healthy Streets principles.
  • Expert knowledge of highway and public-realm design, relevant UK standards, technical approval processes, CDM 2015 duties and design-risk management.
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams, assure technical quality, mentor staff and make well-reasoned engineering decisions.
  • Strong project and commercial management capability, including programme, budget, resource, risk, change control and quality management.
  • Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the confidence to advise senior clients, engage stakeholders and communicate complex technical matters to non-technical audiences.

Desirable Experience and Skills:

  • Experience working for or closely with UK local authorities, combined authorities or other public-sector clients.
  • Experience of NEC contracts, procurement, construction-stage support and collaboration with contractors.
  • Experience of public consultation, engagement and co-design for contentious or high-profile transport schemes.
  • Knowledge of highway legislation, statutory processes and utility coordination.
  • Experience of road safety, accessibility and equality impact considerations within scheme development.
  • A track record of contributing to industry best practice, professional networks, technical guidance or thought leadership.

Our Company Culture: We believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where your ideas are valued and your growth is encouraged. As part of our team, you'll enjoy a range of fantastic benefits, including a company pension, generous annual leave, continuous training and development opportunities and a professional membership of your choice.

Principal Engineer in London employer: Citisense

Citisense is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that shape urban mobility. Our inclusive work culture encourages creativity and communication, making it an ideal environment for professionals eager to make a tangible impact in their communities.

Citisense

Contact Details:

Citisense Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in London

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Engineer role you’re after at Citisense.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Citisense a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Citisense.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Principal Engineer at Citisense, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in London

Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Data Engineering
SQL
Python
ETL/ELT Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Citisense a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Citisense specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Citisense

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Citisense, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Citisense want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.