Civil Design Engineer

Ward & Burke are looking for a Civil Design Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary design team delivering schemes across United Utilities’ North‑West region. We’re a direct contractor delivering a growing portfolio of Better Rivers work under United Utilities’ AMP8 programme.

You’ll be integrated into a design team responsible for projects end‑to‑end — from pre‑planning through to commissioning and handover. AMP8 Better Rivers schemes in the North‑West span storm overflow reduction, CSO upgrades, and new storage and treatment infrastructure across the United Utilities catchment.

• Shaft design — shafts for stormwater storage, pumping stations, and tunnel launch and reception shafts
• Structural roof design — reinforced concrete roofs over shafts and detention tanks
• Tunnelling design — opportunity to learn alongside our tunnelling specialists on microtunnelling projects. No prior tunnelling experience is expected or required
• Temporary works — cofferdams, crane and piling platforms, and excavation support to enable the permanent works
• Supporting civils — thrust blocks, pipe supports, chambers, and interfaces with existing assets

• Review incoming civil design packages and develop clear design briefs
• Maintain and update design registers
• Produce design calculations, risk assessments, sketches for drafting, reinforcement intents, and concrete mix specifications
• Travel to site to discuss designs with delivery teams, take feedback on buildability, and iterate toward the most efficient solution
• Review construction progress on site and ensure designs are executed as intended

Around 3 years of experience in civil and/or temporary works design is essential.

• Structural design to Eurocodes and British Standards
• Reinforced concrete design, including rebar detailing intent and mix specification
• Interpreting ground investigation reports
• 2D CAD (AutoCAD or similar)
• Finite element modelling software
• Clear written and spoken English — reports, design statements, and communication with both technical and non‑technical audiences

The role is primarily site-based on one of our active AMP8 projects in the North‑West of England. Specific site allocation will depend on project phase at the point of joining, but expect to be based in the Greater Manchester, Lancashire, or Cheshire area. Hours are 08:00–18:00 Monday to Friday (approximately 50 hours/week).

• Salary is competitive and discussed at the interview based on experience
• 27 days holiday, including a two‑week Christmas shutdown (aligned with the Joint Construction Council calendar), plus bank holidays

• Must have the right to work in the UK
• Around 3 years of experience in civil and/or temporary works design