Principal​/Chief Civil Engineer; Rail Projects

Shape a faster, smarter, safer future.

You might know us for the great work we do across a wide variety of projects. We pride ourselves on diversity of thought, expertise, and knowledge. When you join us, you’ll be part of a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is valued and treated equally.

We’re Atkins

Réalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Together with partners and a global team, we aim to engineer a better future for the planet and its people.

As a Principal or Chief Civil Engineer in our Bridges and Civils team within Transportation, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation. We work on a diverse range of significant and challenging projects across the UK and Ireland, including Midlands Rail Hub, East West Rail, Lower Thames Crossing, National Highways, Network Rail schemes, water market and nuclear projects.

Locally in the Midlands we deliver a range of local authority projects for councils such as Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Solihull, Coventry and Birmingham. You will create high‑quality civil and structural designs for new builds, renewals, maintenance, and assessments.

• Act as a Contractor’s Responsible Engineer for railway civil engineering or stations projects or serve as an Engineering Manager on multi‑disciplinary railway schemes.
• Develop high‑quality civil engineering designs for new construction, renewals, and maintenance works.
• Collaborate with national and international design teams, using leadership to create positive, sustainable impacts.
• Manage production and review of design documentation including sketches, drawings, 3D BIM deliverables, calculations, reports, and specifications.
• Understand client problems and integrate various capabilities to develop solutions.
• Carry out technical work independently and provide guidance to junior staff.
• Develop capability within the team and wider business.
• Engage with and manage internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify new opportunities, bring value into the business and pursue new work.
• Lead bids and tenders, win work and develop client relationships.
• Keep abreast of state‑of‑the‑art methods and developments in the area of specialisation.

• A degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• A professional qualification (CEng/IEng) and membership of ICE or IStruct
  
  E.
• Experience acting as a CRE or Engineering Manager for railway civil engineering works or stations projects.
• Experience working with key clients such as Network Rail, HS2, local authorities or major contractors and developers.
• Good understanding of relevant design standards (e.g., Eurocodes, DMRB, MCHW, Network Rail standards).
• Practical knowledge of railway civil engineering or station design.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to converse with a wide range of clients, stakeholders and colleagues across engineering disciplines.
• Good project management skills, commercial awareness, financial control and ability to deliver across a range of contract types. Includes management of stakeholders such as specialist suppliers, independent checkers and local authorities.

We offer competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a wide range of benefits that can be tailored to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Opportunities for training and professional development are abundant. Hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances support a balanced job and personal life.

This role may require security clearance. Offers will depend on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require proof of UK residency of 5 years or longer. Candidates should not mention existing or previous clearance in their application.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We offer family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups.