Project engineer (structures, drainage, lighting and highways)

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.

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.

To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally have:

• 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

If you would like to apply for this vacancy via an application form, please submit an application via the Derby City Council website. The closing date for this vacancy is at midnight on 6th September 2026. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Interviews will be held: Week Commencing 14th September 2026 at our Council House Offices.

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.