At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative water projects, shaping technical strategies and driving delivery excellence.
- Company: Jacobs, a forward-thinking company tackling critical global challenges.
- Benefits: Flexible working, strong wellbeing focus, and clear progression to Director level.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with investment in personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's water programmes and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering, Chartered Engineer status, and experience in complex design.
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
This is more than a role, it’s your opportunity to shape some of the UK’s most ambitious water programmes during a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation. As an Associate Director/Principal, you’ll sit at the heart of delivery, setting the technical direction, influencing programme outcomes and leading the teams that make it happen. From detailed design to live construction, your decisions will drive safe, buildable, innovative solutions that stand the test of time. You’ll be the trusted voice clients rely on, the technical leader teams look up to, and the driving force behind delivery excellence across complex Design & Build environments.
About the Opportunity
With unprecedented investment across AMP cycles and long‑term frameworks, we’re growing — and we’re looking for leaders ready to step up and make a difference. At Jacobs, you’ll:
- Lead from the front – owning technical strategy, governance, and final design sign‑off across major water and wastewater projects
- Influence at scale – shaping programme‑wide decisions, driving value engineering and commercial outcomes
- Champion delivery excellence – embedding constructability, safety and innovation into every solution
- Collaborate without boundaries – working across multidisciplinary teams, clients and delivery partners in truly integrated environments
- Develop and inspire – growing high‑performing teams while advancing digital engineering, standardisation and modern methods of construction
- Drive growth – contributing to bids, strengthening client relationships and shaping the future of Jacobs’ water capability
This is a career‑defining leadership role with a clear pathway toward Director level, where your expertise will have visible, lasting impact.
Here’s what you’ll need
- Degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) – ICE or equivalent
- Proven experience delivering complex detailed design in regulated water/wastewater environments
- Strong track record in Design & Build or alliancing delivery models
- The ability to act as a senior technical authority, resolving complex challenges with confidence
- Exceptional stakeholder and client engagement skills
And if you bring these, even better
- Experience at programme or framework level
- Knowledge of NEC3 / NEC4 contracts
- Ability to influence commercial outcomes through technical leadership
- Strong digital and BIM capability
- Passion for business growth and strategic development
What’s In It for You
- A high‑impact leadership role on nationally significant water programmes
- The chance to shape technical strategy and innovation at scale
- A clear pathway to Director‑level progression
- Flexible working and a strong commitment to wellbeing and work‑life balance
- A collaborative, forward‑thinking culture with real investment in people and capability
Civil Engineer Detailed Design- Civil Engineer Detailed Design employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through clear pathways to leadership roles, such as the opportunity to progress to Director level in our Civil Engineering team. With a strong focus on wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diverse perspectives, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact on some of the UK's most ambitious water programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Civil Engineer Detailed Design- Civil Engineer Detailed Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements in civil engineering. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in water and wastewater management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are ready to make an impact. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Civil Engineer Detailed Design- Civil Engineer Detailed Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering:Let us see your enthusiasm for civil engineering in your application! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that showcase your skills and how they align with our mission to transform the world for good.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in detailed design and any relevant projects in water/wastewater environments. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious programmes!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil engineering principles, especially those related to water and wastewater projects. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, showcasing how you've tackled complex design challenges and delivered innovative solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Associate Director/Principal, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, influenced programme outcomes, and driven delivery excellence in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Jacobs' mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal goals align with their vision of solving critical problems for thriving cities and resilient environments. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since exceptional stakeholder engagement is key for this role, think of ways to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with clients and multidisciplinary teams in the past, and be ready to share strategies for managing relationships effectively.
