Principal River Engineer

Overview

Shape the future of our cities and environments. We are looking for an energetic and experienced Principal River Engineer to join our Design & Advanced Technology Practice and deliver transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure.

The role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply knowledge, experience and problem‑solving skills while providing good opportunities for career development.

• Coordinate or manage a team of engineers and scientists for delivery of technical design work on complex multi‑disciplinary projects following relevant national and project‑specific design codes and standards, achieving high‑quality levels in flood defences, culverts and hydraulic structures.
• Produce and review technical deliverables such as design reports, drawings, calculations and scopes of work with defined scope.
• Provide technical input into project design deliverables for river engineering and flood defence aspects of complex multi‑disciplinary projects and work with the project management team to manage time and budgets to key milestones and programmes.
• Collaborate with client, operational, project or service activities within your immediate team and other related Atkins
  
  Réalis teams.
• Provide mentorship to less experienced colleagues and help grow the River Engineering capabilities within the local team.
• Work independently with minimal technical guidance, exercising personal judgement to solve difficult problems and provide guidance to junior team members.
• Provide technical support for bid proposals.
• Work closely with a multi‑disciplinary team in the UK and overseas to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Adhere to quality assurance standards in design, including checking and reviewing own work and that of others.

• A degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered or Incorporated Civil Engineer.
• Proven experience in coordinating or managing an engineering design delivery team for a design consultancy, including within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Broad perspective to identify innovative solutions to design problems.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in design such as flood walls and embankments, weirs, hydraulic structures, culverts, scour protection, access and accessibility and construction logistics.
• Proficiency in delivering both traditional engineering and environmentally focused solutions using nature‑based strategies.
• Practical knowledge of current design codes and standards as well as industry best practices.
• Ability to work independently with minimal technical guidance.
• Experience in the Water market is essential and experience in wider markets such as Aviation, Defence, Highways or Energy is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts clearly and effectively within diverse multi‑disciplinary teams.
• A proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and shared success across projects.

Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a broad range of benefits tailored to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Gain opportunities for training and professional development, hybrid working culture, and flexible holiday allowances to support a balanced personal and professional life.

This role may require security clearance, and offers of employment will be dependent 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 five years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities, and we offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups.