At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead drainage engineering on major transport projects and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in innovative engineering solutions for thriving cities and resilient environments.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects that shape the future of transportation in the UK.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering, experience with drainage modelling, and knowledge of UK standards.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
In this role, your expertise will directly shape some of the UK’s most high‑profile transportation programmes. By stepping into a Principal Engineer position, you’ll influence the technical direction of major highway and rail schemes for clients such as National Highways, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, the Welsh Government, HS2 Ltd, national contractors, and local authorities. Your leadership will strengthen a team already recognised for excellence, helping expand our growing portfolio across the UK. As the technical discipline lead, you’ll set the standard for drainage engineering on multi‑disciplinary projects—guiding design quality, challenging assumptions, and driving innovative, sustainable solutions. Your knowledge of key drainage tools, DMRB or UK Rail Standards, SuDS design, and engagement with Lead Local Flood Authorities will directly shape project outcomes. You’ll also play a pivotal role in developing others, providing coaching and mentoring that supports the next generation of engineers and elevates our capability across the business.
Key deliverables (not limited to):
- Providing deliverables and solutions to drainage elements on schemes and problems
- Production and review of feasibility studies, technical reports, detailed designs and production of contract documents across a variety of projects
- Checking and reviewing scheme deliverables and supporting information
- Assisting with the technical development of Engineers and Senior Engineers
- Monitoring and reporting of progress
- Helping seek innovative solutions in achieving best value in delivering our services
Qualifications:
- A degree in a relevant engineering discipline
- Chartered or working towards Chartered or Incorporated status
- Ability using drainage modelling software and tools
- Experience of delivering at variety of scheme stages for drainage and/or transportation projects
- Thorough understanding of DMRB and/or UK rail standards, SuDS Manual and other standards and areas not covered by standards in related to area of expertise
- Must hold a full driving licence due to site travel
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
Principal Drainage Engineer - Multiple Locations in Birmingham employer: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and mentoring opportunities, particularly for those in pivotal roles like the Principal Drainage Engineer, where you will directly influence high-profile projects across the UK. With a focus on sustainability and excellence, our Birmingham location provides a vibrant environment for professionals eager to make a meaningful impact in engineering and beyond.
Contact Details:
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Recruitment Team
