At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design innovative civil engineering projects from start to finish.
- Company: Ward & Burke, a leading contractor in the Better Rivers programme.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days holiday, and a two-week Christmas shutdown.
- Other info: Site-based role with opportunities for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainable infrastructure while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Around 3 years of civil design experience and strong CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Ward & Burke are looking for a Civil Design Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary design team delivering schemes across United Utilities’ North‑West region. We’re a direct contractor delivering a growing portfolio of Better Rivers work under United Utilities’ AMP8 programme.
You’ll be integrated into a design team responsible for projects end‑to‑end — from pre‑planning through to commissioning and handover. AMP8 Better Rivers schemes in the North‑West span storm overflow reduction, CSO upgrades, and new storage and treatment infrastructure across the United Utilities catchment.
Design Scope Includes:
- Shaft design — shafts for stormwater storage, pumping stations, and tunnel launch and reception shafts
- Structural roof design — reinforced concrete roofs over shafts and detention tanks
- Tunnelling design — opportunity to learn alongside our tunnelling specialists on microtunnelling projects. No prior tunnelling experience is expected or required
- Temporary works — cofferdams, crane and piling platforms, and excavation support to enable the permanent works
- Supporting civils — thrust blocks, pipe supports, chambers, and interfaces with existing assets
Key Responsibilities:
- Review incoming civil design packages and develop clear design briefs
- Maintain and update design registers
- Produce design calculations, risk assessments, sketches for drafting, reinforcement intents, and concrete mix specifications
- Travel to site to discuss designs with delivery teams, take feedback on buildability, and iterate toward the most efficient solution
- Review construction progress on site and ensure designs are executed as intended
Technical Experience:
- Around 3 years of experience in civil and/or temporary works design is essential.
Candidates Should Have a Solid Grounding In:
- Structural design to Eurocodes and British Standards
- Reinforced concrete design, including rebar detailing intent and mix specification
- Interpreting ground investigation reports
- 2D CAD (AutoCAD or similar)
- Finite element modelling software
- Clear written and spoken English — reports, design statements, and communication with both technical and non‑technical audiences
Location & Working Pattern:
The role is primarily site-based on one of our active AMP8 projects in the North‑West of England. Specific site allocation will depend on project phase at the point of joining, but expect to be based in the Greater Manchester, Lancashire, or Cheshire area. Hours are 08:00–18:00 Monday to Friday (approximately 50 hours/week).
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary is competitive and discussed at the interview based on experience
- 27 days holiday, including a two‑week Christmas shutdown (aligned with the Joint Construction Council calendar), plus bank holidays
Eligibility:
- Must have the right to work in the UK
- Around 3 years of experience in civil and/or temporary works design
Civil Design Engineer employer: Ward and Burke
Ward & Burke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Civil Design Engineers can thrive within a multi-disciplinary design team. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities to engage in innovative projects across the North-West region, alongside competitive benefits such as 27 days of holiday and a two-week Christmas shutdown. Our collaborative culture fosters creativity and efficiency, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions to sustainable infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Civil Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Ward & Burke on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best civil design projects. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your experience and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Eurocodes and British Standards. We want you to feel confident when discussing your design expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Civil Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Civil Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in structural design, reinforced concrete, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match up with 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 passionate about civil design and how you can contribute to our Better Rivers schemes. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially in 2D CAD and finite element modelling software. We’re keen to know how you’ve applied these in past projects, so give us some examples that demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ward and Burke
✨Know Your Design Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of structural design, especially Eurocodes and British Standards. Be ready to discuss your experience with reinforced concrete design and how you approach rebar detailing and mix specifications.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Projects
Research Ward & Burke's recent projects, particularly those related to the AMP8 Better Rivers schemes. Understanding their work on storm overflow reduction and CSO upgrades will show your genuine interest and help you relate your experience to their needs.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about interpreting ground investigation reports and using 2D CAD software like AutoCAD. Practise explaining your design calculations and risk assessments clearly, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working in a multi-disciplinary design team, highlight your collaborative skills. Share examples of how you've worked with delivery teams on-site, taken feedback, and iterated designs to achieve efficient solutions.
