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- Tasks: Lead technical excellence in highways and drainage design, mentoring teams and influencing project strategy.
- Company: Join SCP Infrastructure & Design, part of the innovative RSK Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and an 8% employer pension contribution.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with 10+ years in highways engineering and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 51000 £ per year.
Lead technical excellence. Influence strategy. Shape the future of infrastructure. SCP Infrastructure & Design, part of the RSK Group, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across our highways and drainage portfolio. This is a senior, influential role for an engineer who thrives on responsibility — someone who can set standards, guide teams, and act as a trusted technical authority for both clients and colleagues.
As a Principal Engineer, you will sit at the forefront of design leadership. You’ll be responsible for technical assurance, mentoring senior staff, and shaping how projects are delivered across the business. You’ll work closely with senior management, project directors, and clients, helping to drive innovation, manage risk, and ensure SCP continues to deliver best-in-class engineering solutions.
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 + 8% Employer Pension Contribution
Hours: 35-hour working week
Location: Leeds (Hybrid – 3 days office / 2 days home)
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Acting as a technical authority for highways and drainage design across multiple projects
- Providing strategic oversight and technical assurance on complex and high-risk schemes
- Leading design reviews, approvals, and quality assurance processes
- Mentoring and developing graduate through to senior engineers
- Influencing project strategy, scope, and delivery from early concept through to construction
- Supporting business growth through technical input to bids and client proposals
- Maintaining and improving technical standards, processes, and best practice across projects and business
- Engaging directly with clients, regulators, and key stakeholders
What We’re Looking For:
Essential:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or (IEng) working towards chartership through ICE/CIHT.
- BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering.
- 10+ years’ experience in highways engineering, with at least 2–3 years in a senior/lead role.
- Strong capabilities in 3D Modelling (Civils 3D) and supporting engineers in training of the software.
- Confident decision-maker with the ability to manage risk and resolve technical challenges.
- Proven track record in delivering highways projects, from design to construction.
- Strong client-facing skills with experience in stakeholder engagement.
- Experience in managing and mentoring and developing junior engineers and apprentices.
- Strong experience across multi-sector projects; residential, commercial, education, or public sector highways projects.
- Extensive experience in highways design within a consultancy environment
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, as a leader or part of a team.
- Proven ability to lead technically on large, complex infrastructure projects
Desirable:
- Experience in infrastructure engineering and land development
- Experience in drainage design
- Familiarity with NEC/JCT contract administration and financial project management.
- Sewer modelling experience (Micro-Drainage / Causeway Flow / Info-Drainage)
- Exposure to working with National Highways, London Boroughs, TfL, or Local Highway Authorities.
- Experience in business development and supporting bid preparation.
- Advanced report-writing and design governance experience
- Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
- Excellent software and technical design capability
- Full UK driving licence
What’s In It For You?
- Competitive salary of £50,000 – £60,000
- 35-hour working week
- 8% employer pension contribution
- Hybrid working model with 3 days in the office per week
- Senior-level influence without sacrificing work-life balance
- Opportunity to shape teams, standards, and future growth
- The stability and backing of a respected national consultancy
If you’re looking for a role where your expertise genuinely matters and your influence extends beyond individual projects, this is the opportunity for you. SCP is an inclusive employer.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.
Principal Engineer (Highways) in Leeds employer: SCP
Contact Detail:
SCP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer (Highways) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Principal Engineer. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise to make a lasting impression.
✨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 joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer (Highways) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your highways engineering experience and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring your unique expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at SCP Infrastructure & Design. Let us know how you can influence strategy and drive innovation in our projects.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical capabilities, especially in 3D Modelling and highways design. We’re looking for someone who can lead design reviews and provide technical assurance, so make sure we see that in your application!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCP
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to showcase your expertise in highways and drainage design. Brush up on the latest industry standards and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Highlight your experience with 3D modelling software like Civils 3D, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and guiding teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led projects or developed junior engineers. Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and how you influence project strategy.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since client-facing skills are essential, think about times when you've effectively engaged with clients or stakeholders. Be ready to explain how you manage relationships and ensure that their needs are met while driving project success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare scenarios where you've had to manage risk or resolve technical challenges, and articulate your thought process clearly. This will demonstrate your capability to handle complex infrastructure projects.
