Principal Civil Engineer

Engineer the Future of Infrastructure

We have secured several project wins and are delivering sustainable solutions to our clients’ aspirations. With a strong growth strategy in Scotland, we currently have an opportunity for a Principal Civil Engineer to join our team in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

As a Principal Civil Engineer you will lead the delivery of complex civil engineering projects from concept through to construction design. You will provide technical leadership across highways, roads, access tracks, bridges, retaining structures, and drainage systems, ensuring buildability, value engineering and compliance with environmental, health and safety standards. You will oversee concept designs for planning and third‑party consents, prepare sustainable drainage proposals, and liaise with statutory consultees such as Local Authorities, SEPA and EA.

Acting as the client’s primary point of contact, you will manage design packages, lead multidisciplinary coordination and ensure timely delivery to programme and budget commitments.

You will deliver infrastructure that supports economic growth and sustainable development. Success is measured through technical leadership, strategic thinking and proactive collaboration. In the short term you will focus on high‑quality design outputs and project delivery, and over time you will take on greater responsibility for client engagement, business development and shaping our infrastructure offering across Scotland.

Extensive experience in civil engineering design and project delivery in highways, renewables or major infrastructure. You will develop and review complex designs for roads, drainage systems, earthworks and associated civil structures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D and drainage design software such as Causeway Flow or Micro Drainage is essential. A strong understanding of DMRB, sustainable drainage design principles and hydraulic modelling is required.

Knowledge of construction methodologies, material specifications and testing requirements ensures practical, cost‑effective and buildable designs.

Proven experience managing large‑scale, multidisciplinary projects and leading design teams. You will plan projects, allocate resources, and exercise technical oversight to meet programme, budget and quality deliverables. Your leadership will inspire senior and junior engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Strong organisational and commercial awareness will enable you to manage competing priorities and maintain client confidence.

Excellent communication skills are essential. You will represent the business in client meetings, technical workshops and stakeholder consultations, presenting complex engineering concepts clearly and persuasively. Your ability to prepare detailed technical reports, present design solutions and respond to queries will underpin strong relationships with clients, contractors and statutory bodies.

You will champion innovative approaches to civil engineering design, integrating sustainability principles throughout project delivery. You will identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, optimise material reuse and implement low‑impact construction techniques. Your forward‑thinking mindset will position the team as a leader in sustainable infrastructure design.

Strong understanding of project economics, cost control, risk management and value engineering. You will anticipate client needs, contribute to work‑winning activities and prepare bids, ensuring technical solutions align with commercial objectives. By combining technical expertise with commercial insight you will deliver projects that meet client expectations while maintaining profitability.

• Academic qualification: BSc, BEng, MSc or MEng in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Extensive civil engineering design and…