At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex civil engineering projects and drive innovation in design and construction.
- Company: Join a leading National Contractor known for its ambitious and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, healthcare, and 27 days holiday.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a fast-growing company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in civil engineering while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management; chartered status preferred.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
My client is a leading National Contractor that specialise in both Civil Engineering and Building. They are currently searching for a Civils biased Design Manager to be based out of their offices in Hampshire.
Sectors:
- Highways & Bridges
- Energy Sector
- Marine & Coastal
- Ministry of Defence Works
- Public Realm Works
- Earthworks
- And much more
This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the UK's fastest-growing contractors as a Principal Engineer to lead on complex civil engineering projects across their growing portfolio. This role is ideal if you're looking to work in a supportive but ambitious environment with clear career progression and proactive employee engagement.
Job Purpose:
Lead the technical delivery of complex civil engineering projects across the company's portfolio, ensuring excellence in design, construction methodology, and risk management. The Principal Engineer acts as a strategic advisor, technical authority, and mentor, driving innovation, quality, and commercial success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead engineering input across preconstruction stages — from early feasibility and outline design through to tender submission and handover to delivery teams.
- Provide technical leadership on bids, developing construction methodologies, sequencing, and risk mitigation strategies that maximise value and deliverability.
- Review and challenge designs through buildability reviews, value engineering, and technical risk assessments to ensure compliance, innovation, and cost efficiency.
- Develop and approve temporary and permanent works solutions in collaboration with designers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Champion sustainable and low carbon engineering approaches, integrating SuDS, materials efficiency, and modern methods of construction.
- Support tender teams with technical scope writing, programme inputs, and responses to client technical queries.
- Act as technical advisor during client and consultant engagement meetings, clearly communicating engineering strategies and design rationale.
- Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned from completed projects and embedding them into preconstruction processes.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and learning within the preconstruction team.
- Fulfil the role of Principal Designer under CDM Regulations 2015, where required.
- Represent the company at client presentations, design reviews, and industry events to promote our technical capabilities and innovation.
Key Requirements (Essential):
- Strong technical knowledge of engineering practices and construction standards.
- Chartered Engineer or working towards (CEng) status or equivalent (ICE, IStructE, or similar).
- Demonstrable experience in CDM compliance, risk management, and technical assurance.
- Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or similar).
- Excellent communication skills — able to translate complex technical detail into clear, actionable guidance.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams, including mentoring junior engineers and managing workflow.
- Experience in client liaison, stakeholder engagement, and technical reporting.
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience in the energy, renewables.
- Strong understanding of buildability, temporary works, and construction sequencing.
- Knowledge of environmental permitting, flood risk, or water-sensitive design.
- Ideal for candidates with a background in design consultancy looking to transition into a comparable role with a contractor.
Qualifications:
- Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or Construction Management (or equivalent).
Benefits:
- Competitive basic salary
- Company car or car allowance
- Company Pension Scheme
- Healthcare
- 27 days holiday
- Training and progression opportunities
- Annual bonus
- And much more
Principal Design Engineer in Cardiff employer: Fawkes & Reece London
Join a leading National Contractor in Hampshire, where you will thrive in a supportive and ambitious work culture that prioritises employee engagement and career progression. As a Principal Design Engineer, you will have the opportunity to lead complex civil engineering projects while benefiting from competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare, and generous holiday allowances, all within a company committed to innovation and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Design Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and having your own questions ready. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in civil engineering, especially in areas like highways, bridges, and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 role. Share specific examples of your past projects and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in design software like AutoCAD or Civil 3D. We’re looking for someone who can lead technical delivery, so make sure we see your technical chops right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes & Reece London
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of engineering practices and construction standards. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved complex civil engineering challenges. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Design Engineer, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, mentored junior engineers, or driven innovation in your projects. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability to take charge and inspire others.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex technical details in simple terms. You might be asked to present your design rationale or risk management strategies, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Research the company’s approach to sustainable and low carbon engineering. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals in this area. Showing that you align with their values and are proactive about integrating sustainability into your work will make a strong impression.
