Principal Engineer (Drainage) in Scotland

The Vacancy

Principal Drainage & Infrastructure Engineer – Scotland

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 + 8% Pension Contribution

Hours: 35-hour working week

Location: Scotland (Hybrid Working Available)

Are you an experienced civil engineer with a passion for drainage, highways, and infrastructure design? Do you want to lead technically challenging projects, guide junior engineers, and make a real impact on sustainable infrastructure across Scotland and the UK? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to join our expanding Infrastructure team as a Principal Engineer.

You will take technical and managerial ownership of projects, strengthen client relationships, and play a leading role in developing our drainage capability across the region.

Why Join Us?

• High-Profile, Sustainable Projects – Deliver drainage, highways, and transport schemes that improve connectivity and build resilient, future-ready infrastructure.
• Technical Leadership – Take the lead in drainage and civils design, setting design standards, and guiding the next generation of engineers.
• Career Development – Clear pathways to Associate Director level, with structured professional development and mentoring support.
• Collaborative Culture – Join a people-focused, supportive team that values technical excellence, collaboration, and work–life balance.
• Comprehensive Package – Competitive salary, hybrid working, 8% pension, professional memberships, and flexible working options.

The Role

As a Principal Drainage & Infrastructure Engineer, you will lead and deliver infrastructure projects across Scotland, from feasibility through to detailed design and construction. You will combine deep technical expertise in drainage design with strong project management and client liaison skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the design, procurement, and delivery of drainage infrastructure projects.
• Take ownership of drainage and flood risk elements within multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with local authorities, developers, and contractors.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, sharing technical expertise and encouraging professional growth.
• Contribute to bid preparation, fee proposals, and business development opportunities.
• Ensure designs comply with CDM 2015, DMRB, Sewers for Scotland, and local authority standards.
• Oversee project budgets, risks, and resources to ensure successful outcomes.

What We Are Looking For

Essential:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership (ICE/CIHT).
• BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering.
• 8–10 years’ experience in drainage design, with at least 2–3 years in a senior/lead role.
• Strong technical background in drainage design (SuDS, flood risk, surface water management, and below-ground drainage systems).
• Proven experience delivering civil infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers.

Desirable:

• Experience with microdrainage (InfoDrainage), Civil 3D, and hydraulic modelling tools.
• Familiarity with NEC/JCT contracts and financial project management.
• Exposure to Scottish local authorities or regional infrastructure frameworks.
• Experience supporting business development and bid writing.

Work Environment & Expectations

Location: Scotland – hybrid working with presence expected in-office 2 - 3 days per week.

Travel: Occasional travel to client meetings and project sites across Scotland.

Flexible Working: We support hybrid and flexible working to promote work–life balance.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career, leading the design and delivery of sustainable drainage projects that shape communities across Scotland — we would love to hear from you. Apply today.