Job Description:

Job Title: Principal Civil Engineer

Role Overview

The Principal Civil Engineer provides technical leadership and oversight for the design, delivery, and assurance of civil engineering works on railway infrastructure projects. This role is responsible for ensuring that all civil designs and construction activities meet regulatory requirements, safety standards, and project objectives, while driving innovation, efficiency, and best practice across the engineering lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities



Technical Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of civil engineering designs for rail infrastructure, including track, earthworks, drainage, structures, and station works.
• Act as the technical authority for civil engineering within the project, ensuring robust and compliant design solutions.
• Review, approve, and sign off on design packages, calculations, and technical reports.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to engineers and design teams.

Design Management & Coordination

• Coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces (e.g., track, signalling, MEP, geotechnical).
• Ensure integration of civil designs with wider railway systems and operational requirements.
• Oversee design reviews, risk assessments, and value engineering initiatives.
• Manage design consultants and ensure deliverables meet programme and quality expectations.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure all works comply with relevant standards (e.g., Network Rail standards, Eurocodes, UK regulations).
• Support adherence to safety and engineering assurance processes (e.g., GRIP/PACE or equivalent frameworks).
• Contribute to hazard identification (HAZID/HAZOP) and risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintain compliance with environmental and sustainability requirements.

Project Delivery Support

• Provide technical support during construction, including site visits and resolution of engineering issues.
• Review and respond to technical queries, change requests, and non-conformances.
• Support constructability reviews and temporary works design where required.
• Contribute to commissioning and handover documentation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Interface with clients, contractors, regulators, and third-party stakeholders.
• Present technical solutions and reports to senior stakeholders and review panels.
• Support client assurance and approval processes.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive the adoption of digital engineering tools (e.g., BIM) and modern construction techniques.
• Promote sustainable design practices and carbon reduction initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for efficiency, cost savings, and improved delivery methods.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in civil engineering within the rail sector
• Proven leadership and decision-making capabilities
• Excellent coordination and multidisciplinary integration skills
• Strong understanding of design assurance and risk management
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
• Commercial awareness and project delivery focus