At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering projects from small improvements to large developments.
- Company: Join one of the UK's top independent consultancies with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, hybrid work, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Fast career progression and ongoing support from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing sector with diverse and challenging projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering and relevant consultancy experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Principal Engineer with strong design expertise to support a varied range of schemes, from small highway improvements to large residential and commercial developments, within one of the UK’s leading independent consultancies. For the right individual, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the growth of a strategically important sector of the business. PJA is currently engaged in a wide range of projects, from small-scale developments to large, strategic sites of up to 5,000 residential units and associated supporting infrastructure.
Our Ideal Candidate
- Will hold a degree in Civil Engineering (or an equivalent qualification) and have relevant postgraduate experience in a similar consultancy role, with exceptional knowledge of both highway and drainage design.
- Will have extensive experience designing major and minor commercial and residential developments from appraisal stage through planning, detailed design of infrastructure, external works, and drainage.
- Experience in the design of both commercial and residential developments including infrastructure, external works and drainage.
- Demonstrable experience of working on design commissions for large land delivery projects.
- Knowledge and experience of highway design standards – Local Highway Authority, Manual for Streets, LTN1/20 and DMRB.
- Knowledge and experience of drainage design standards – Sewerage Sector Guidance, Code for Adoption Agreement and The SuDS Manual (CIRIA C753).
- Knowledge and significant experience of highway and drainage adoption processes and legal requirements for S278, S38 and S104.
- Good understanding and use of software packages including AutoCAD, Civils 3D, Site 3D and Causeway Flow (alternatively MicroDrainage or InfoDrainage).
- Good knowledge of standard engineering practices and a demonstrable understanding of Health and Safety including CDM.
- Knowledge and experience of earthworks strategies.
- Experience of meeting attendance to discuss issues with clients, architects, contractors, local authorities and other statutory bodies.
- Experience of producing design pack for outline or detailed planning up to tender and construction.
- Knowledge and experience of earthworks strategies and cut & fill analysis.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Good time management and organisational skills with the ability to maintain good records.
- Excellent problem solving skills.
As a Member of the PJA Team, You Can Expect
- An attractive and modern working environment with good accessibility by all modes of transport.
- The opportunity to progress quickly within the company.
- A wide range of challenging projects.
- Ongoing support, training and mentoring from senior professionals within the business with a real commitment from senior management towards personal and professional development.
We Also Offer An Attractive Benefits Package That Includes
- Competitive salary.
- 25 Days annual leave plus the ability to purchase additional days.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Option to participate in the Company Share Ownership scheme.
- Private healthcare.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Techscheme.
- Payment of one professional subscription.
- Membership of our group pension scheme.
- Life Assurance.
How To Apply
If you would like to be considered for this role, then please email your CV and a covering letter to recruit@pja.co.uk. Please ensure you state the role you are applying for in the email subject.
Principal Engineer – Birmingham, Bristol or Reading employer: PJA
PJA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Birmingham, Bristol, or Reading, where you can engage in a diverse range of impactful projects. With a strong commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and mentoring, alongside a competitive benefits package including hybrid working options and private healthcare, PJA fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation that empowers its team members to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Birmingham, Bristol or Reading
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local engineering meetups, seminars, or workshops. You never know who might be looking for someone with your skills, and a friendly chat can lead to job opportunities.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t hold back! Bring along a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those related to highway and drainage design. Visuals can make a huge impact and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions in civil engineering roles. Practice articulating your experience with design standards and software like AutoCAD and Civils 3D. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to impress!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at PJA, which can give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Birmingham, Bristol or Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your design expertise and relevant experience in highway and drainage design. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 and how you can contribute to our projects. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Projects:Don’t forget to mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description. We’re interested in your experience with both small and large developments, so share those details with us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at PJA
✨Know Your Design Standards
Make sure you brush up on the relevant design standards like the Manual for Streets and The SuDS Manual. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving large residential or commercial developments. Highlight your role in the design process, from appraisal to planning and detailed design, to demonstrate your comprehensive experience.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. This could involve anything from drainage issues to meeting tight deadlines. Showing your problem-solving skills will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since strong communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with clients, architects, and local authorities in the past, as this will highlight your ability to work well within a team.
