Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead civil engineering design for innovative water sector projects and mentor aspiring engineers.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to high standards in engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water industry while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in water industry design and Chartered Engineer status required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to take a leading technical role within our multidisciplinary design team in the water sector. This position is suited to a Chartered Engineer with strong design experience who enjoys solving complex engineering problems, guiding design teams and ensuring high standards of technical delivery.
You will lead civil engineering design across projects, mentor engineers at different stages of their careers and provide technical leadership to ensure designs are safe, compliant and efficiently delivered. Working closely with our Design Manager and Engineering Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring our projects are delivered to high professional and technical standards.
The Role
As Principal Civil Engineer, you will take ownership of the civil engineering design input across a range of water sector projects. Your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring design deliverables meet safety, quality and regulatory requirements
- Reviewing and approving design deliverables, design risk assessments (DRAs), reports and technical specifications
- Developing efficient and practical engineering solutions based on scopes, site visits and client requirements
- Communicating design solutions clearly to clients and project teams
- Directing and supporting engineers, CAD technicians and graduates
- Guiding design work to ensure compliance with technical standards, professional guidance and water company specifications
- Ensuring design changes are properly implemented and recorded within project documentation
- Working within established design processes and procedures to maintain quality and consistency
- Estimating design hours and supporting project planning
- Attending and presenting engineering solutions at design reviews, ALM and KM meetings
- Reviewing and interpreting technical standards, procedures and updates
- Undertaking the role of Professional Head for discipline and Responsible Engineer/CRE for specific projects
- Providing key technical guidance for both projects and tenders
- Supporting the continuous improvement of engineering standards and design practices
We are looking for an experienced civil engineer with strong knowledge of water industry design and a track record of leading engineering solutions.
Essential
- 10+ years’ design experience within the regulated water industry
- Degree or HND in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
- Chartered Engineer status
- Experience producing hydraulic calculations and hydraulic profiles
- Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering systems
- Experience delivering both infrastructure and non-infrastructure designs
- Experience working on outline and detailed design stages
- Knowledge of construction methods, materials and engineering drawing practices
- Strong IT and digital design capability
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable
- Experience acting as Responsible Engineer or CRE on engineering projects
- Experience supporting technical development of junior engineers
Location: Competitive Salary, Company Pension, Professional Membership
Principal Civil Engineer employer: ESL UK
Contact Detail:
ESL UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering field, especially those in the water sector. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you’ve tackled complex engineering challenges. We want to see your passion for design and leadership!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring experience! As a Principal Civil Engineer, guiding junior engineers is key. Share examples of how you've supported their development and contributed to team success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in the water sector and showcases your design skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Principal Civil Engineer, so don’t hold back on those relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership and technical expertise in civil engineering.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of complex engineering problems you've solved. We love seeing how you approach challenges, especially in the regulated water industry, so make sure to highlight those experiences!
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 during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESL UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around water industry design and hydraulic calculations. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the engineering solutions you implemented. This will show that you’re not just experienced but also passionate about your field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Civil Engineer, you'll be guiding teams and mentoring junior engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, tackled complex problems, and ensured high standards of delivery. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both clients and project teams.
✨Understand the Company’s Projects
Do some homework on the company’s recent projects in the water sector. Familiarise yourself with their design processes and any challenges they might face. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to civil engineering design and compliance with regulatory requirements. Practice articulating your thought process when solving engineering problems, and be ready to discuss how you ensure safety and quality in your designs.