Principal Civil Engineer - Rail Infrastructure

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role… Join our thriving Rail Civil Engineering team and work from one of WSP’s modern & collaborative office spaces in Leeds, Manchester, or London. Be part of a team that delivers a diverse portfolio of civil engineering and multi-disciplinary rail projects — from local enhancements to nationally significant infrastructure. You’ll have the chance to shape both the projects and the team’s future.

Deliver the Civil Engineering design for Stations & Platforms (new & existing), Depots, level crossings, canopy refurbishments, lineside railway civils infrastructure, ancillary / minor civils structures and much more. As a Principal Engineer, your CRE design experience in the rail sector will be instrumental—not only in delivering excellence but also in mentoring others on their journey to becoming CREs. Play a key role in shaping the team’s growth through strategic recruitment, successful bidding, effective line management, and continuous business improvement.

While supporting the growth of others, you’ll also benefit from tailored support and mentoring to accelerate your own career — unlocking exciting opportunities to thrive and progress within WSP. Bring your enthusiasm and technical expertise to a varied team and provide the support to more junior members of the team within a culture of shared success. Preparation of technical outputs to the highest standards in accordance with the WSP’s quality management system. Providing your expertise and experience to champion best practice across the team. Tackle complex engineering challenges head-on, collaborating closely with your team, clients, and contractors to deliver smart, effective solutions.

Lead the development of drawings, reports, and specifications, working collaboratively with Engineers and Technicians to meet key programme milestones. Carry out the essential design outputs (calculations, design, risk assessments, etc.) supported by the wider team members to produce a high-quality design output. Champion WSP’s Safety, Health, Environment and Wellbeing (SHEW) culture, ensuring full compliance with regulations and promoting a safe, supportive workplace. Scope and specify surveys, in addition to potentially supervising or leading site surveys, as necessary.

YOUR TEAM Opportunity for growth & career progression in a thriving and growing team. Play an active role in shaping the future of the team — contributing to its growth and expanding its expertise through exciting bid opportunities. Provide hands-on technical leadership across a range of impactful projects for clients such as Network Rail, HS2, NPR, developers, and contractors—while mentoring the design team to deliver excellence. Opportunities available to provide a wide variety of both technical, management and business functions with strong career development and advancement opportunities.

Opportunity to progress CRE experience and capabilities and wider potential to progress under mentorship as a CEM. Collaborate within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team, delivering projects in a Common Data Environment (CDE) that supports innovation and integration. Take ownership of small teams, tasks, or projects—with potential line management responsibilities—while guiding junior staff and reporting directly to your line manager to support team growth and delivery.

What we would be looking for you to demonstrate… A Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a related subject accredited by the Engineering Council. Chartered or Incorporated Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Experience in delivering and managing all stages of multi-disciplinary engineering projects from initial studies through to detailed design. Including interacting with client and a track record of repeat work. Strong working knowledge of the relevant legislation and guidelines including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, British and European Standards, Eurocodes and Codes of Practice.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Work-life balance At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Health & Wellbeing We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.