Principal Engineer (Highways)

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day. For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland, we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

The primary role of a Principal Engineer (Highways) is to utilise substantial experience to win and deliver projects safely and in accordance with the divisional controls for bidding and revenue and margin delivery on projects, primarily for the Highways team, but working collaboratively across teams and projects as required. The role will form part of an existing team already delivering a varied programme of highway and transportation schemes for a wide range of public and private sector clients across both the local and strategic highway networks. It will focus on development infrastructure projects from feasibility through to detailed design including highway design and drainage design, associated technical and statutory authority approvals.

Missions/Main Duties

• You will be responsible for managing and leading designs on small projects, whilst also inputting and assisting in delivery, budgets, resourcing, planning, and programming on other projects with the senior team.
• Preparation of technical outputs, coordinating with other disciplines and represent the team internally and externally.
• Responsible for the financial, technical and project management control of the civil engineering aspects of projects of various sizes.
• Delegate to, manage and direct Engineers and Technicians involved on projects.
• Support the development of less experienced Engineers.
• Responsible for all stages of highway designs (adoptable or non-adoptable) ensuring compliance with appropriate standards (DMRB, MCHW, MfS, TSM, Local Authority guides, etc).
• Design and detail highway and drainage infrastructure.
• Liaising with relevant project teams to ensure designs are fully co-ordinated.
• Liaising with other construction professionals in the development of designs.
• Assist and prepare with the delivery of technical outputs within the team (Drawings, Specifications, Cost Estimates, Contract Documents and Technical Reports).
• Preparation and pricing of scope/briefs, proposals, and deliverables for new projects.
• Identify, develop and maintain relationships with clients and understand ultimate objectives and desired outcomes for each project, effectively managing client expectations.
• Ensure successful project delivery to time, cost, quality and other contractual requirements.
• Make presentations to clients, third parties and colleagues as appropriate.
• Attend meetings with clients as required to effectively support project delivery and business development.
• Undertake site visits to monitor the progress of works against specifications, and highlight issues to the contractor, client and/or (internal or external) project manager as necessary.
• Demonstrate behaviours aligned with SYSTRA’s behavioural framework by actively fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, respect, and empowerment, contributing to an environment where all colleagues can thrive, achieve and grow together.

Profile/Skills

• Substantial experience in the Highways/Development Infrastructure sector.
• MEng/MSc or BEng in Civil Engineering.
• Chartered status (ICE or CIHT) or are working toward their Professional Qualification.
• Extensive Civil Engineering experience within a consultancy environment.
• Proven ability to take a lead role in project delivery and manage dynamic project teams delivering high-quality projects successfully.
• Substantial knowledge and experience of delivering highway design and appropriate approval processes.
• Experience of highway technical design on major and minor projects including a good understanding of design principles and the ability to practically apply them.
• Substantial knowledge and use of appropriate standards (DMRB, MCHW, MfS, TSM, Local Authority guides, etc).
• Substantial knowledge of standard engineering practices and a demonstrable understanding of Health and Safety including CDMIT literate with excellent knowledge in the use of Auto-CAD/Civils 3D and/or other civil engineering packages to design and detail highway and drainage infrastructure.
• Experience of project management and responsibility for financial and commercial aspects of projects.
• Experience of drainage design would be beneficial.
• Ability to determine appropriate solutions with innovation and value.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and third parties.
• Ability to effectively mentor and supervise less experienced colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of design teams and project stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and fee proposals which are fit for purpose.
• Ability to effectively represent the Company externally.
• Ability to effectively manage own workload and prioritise competing demands.

Desirable

• Experience of working with Public and Private sector is preferable.
• Knowledge of and engagement with the civil engineering industry.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking, and desire to self-progress.
• Flexibility, agility, and a willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to 'see the bigger picture' and understand the consequences of decisions.

Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility

Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions, to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how SYSTRA can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email: reasonableadjustments@systra.com where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria. As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role – you could still be just what we are looking for.