Project Engineer

Project Engineer

Full-Time 40777 - 45091 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Derby City Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting civil engineering projects that enhance Derby's infrastructure and environment.
  • Company: Join Derby City Council, dedicated to improving community services and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and 27+ days of annual leave.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with support for diverse backgrounds and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on your city while growing your engineering career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering or related field; experience in UK engineering standards.

The predicted salary is between 40777 - 45091 £ per year.

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

We’re looking for Project Engineers to help the Council deliver critical projects within Structures, Drainage, Lighting and Highways Design. As a Project Engineer in one of these areas, you will work within the Council’s City Sustainability directorate, which plays an important role in developing and improving the city to make Derby a better place to work and live. As Project Engineer you will lead the technical delivery of multi-disciplinary civil engineering and infrastructure schemes from initial concept through to detailed design and construction. This is a highly rewarding and impactful role in which your work will be for the benefit of our residents, communities and the environment.

To support your growth and development, you will receive unrivalled opportunities for continued professional development, including support towards Chartership with the ICE or IStructE.

Here at Derby City Council, we’re dedicated to delivering nearly 250 first-class services to citizens and businesses in the heart of the Midlands. People are at the centre of all that we do, and we have an outstanding track record of recruiting and developing talented individuals by providing them with varied and fulfilling career opportunities.

You too could be part of something brilliant by becoming a colleague at Derby City Council; in addition to making a difference to the lives of people across the city, you’ll also receive:

  • Flexible work/life balance scheme
  • Hybrid working
  • Modern office environment
  • Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
  • 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service), plus bank holidays (depending on contract)
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
  • Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
  • Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
  • Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Calendar and Support
  • Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network
  • Support for colleagues who are carers

In the role of Project Engineer, here’s an example of what you’ll be doing to make an impact:

  • Structures: Assist in the delivery of the design, inspection, assessment, and maintenance programme for the City’s Highway Structures assets, as well as participating in the delivery of active travel and city centre regeneration schemes that enhance the city’s transport network and public spaces. Ensuring compliance with the Code of Practice for Well Maintained Highway Structures, the DMRB, and SFHW current UK design and Eurocode standards.
  • Drainage: Play a key role as part of a Lead Local Flood Authority in managing local flood risk and promoting sustainable drainage across the council area. Assess planning applications, provide expert technical advice on flood risk and drainage matters, investigate local flooding incidents, and work closely with developers, consultants, statutory bodies, and local communities to deliver effective flood risk management solutions.
  • Lighting: You will play a vital role in delivering and managing a wide range of street lighting projects that support safe, sustainable, and resilient communities. Preparing feasibility studies, assessing and responding to planning applications, provide technical advice and approvals, and oversee on-site works associated with Section 38 highway adoption schemes, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and specifications.
  • Highway Design: This is a Civil Engineer role within the Highways environment, where the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in several different projects whilst delivering a defined role. Duties will be both office and site based across several different schemes and disciplines.
  • Project Management: Coordinate across all disciplines, oversee design risk assessments, manage budgets, and liaise directly with clients and contractors.

About You:

  • A proven track record within a civil engineering role
  • A strong understanding of UK civil engineering standards, legislation and regulations
  • A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or a relevant structural/environmental discipline
  • Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MX, or proprietary drainage tools)
  • Comprehensive knowledge of UK design codes, CDM regulations, and construction health and safety requirements

We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. As many of our roles can now be home-based, we are able to offer more opportunities for people who need this facility. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader.

Project Engineer employer: Derby City Council

Derby City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and professional growth. As a Tractor Driver/Gardener, you will benefit from a generous annual leave package, a local government pension scheme, and access to exclusive discounts through Team Derby Rewards, making it a rewarding place to build your career in grounds maintenance.

Derby City Council

Contact Details:

Derby City Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Engineer

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 Project Engineer role you’re after at Derby City Council.

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 Derby City Council 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 Derby City Council.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Project Engineer at Derby City Council, 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 Project Engineer

Civil Engineering
Project Management
Technical Delivery
Design Software Proficiency (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MX)
Knowledge of UK Civil Engineering Standards
Understanding of CDM Regulations
Construction Health and Safety Requirements

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project 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 Derby City Council 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 Derby City Council 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 Derby City Council

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Derby City Council, 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 Derby City Council 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.