Principal Civil Engineer – Highways, Infrastructure & Drainage

Principal Civil Engineer – Highways, Infrastructure & Drainage Lead the Delivery of Complex Infrastructure Projects

Tetra Tech is seeking an experienced and ambitious Principal Civil Engineer to join our established Highways and Infrastructure team. Ideally based in Newark, we would also consider candidates located in Birmingham or London, with hybrid working arrangements available.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly capable infrastructure engineer looking to take a leading role in the delivery of major development and infrastructure projects. You will combine technical excellence with project leadership, client engagement and team development, helping to deliver innovative and sustainable engineering solutions across a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, industrial, renewable energy and strategic infrastructure schemes.

As a Principal Engineer, you will be a key technical leader within the team, taking ownership of project delivery, supporting business growth, mentoring colleagues and ensuring the highest standards of engineering quality across our projects.

As a Principal Engineer, you will lead the technical delivery of highways, infrastructure, earthworks and drainage projects across both public and private sector developments. Working closely with Project Directors, Associates and multidisciplinary design teams, you will oversee projects from feasibility and concept stages through detailed design, technical approvals and construction support.

You will be responsible for managing multiple commissions simultaneously, ensuring that technical quality, programme commitments, commercial performance and client expectations are consistently achieved. Alongside your project responsibilities, you will contribute to the development of engineers, graduates and apprentices, helping to strengthen the capability and expertise of the wider team.

This position offers the opportunity to influence significant infrastructure and development projects while playing an important role in the continued growth and success of Tetra Tech's Highways and Infrastructure business.

You will lead the delivery of infrastructure designs across a broad range of projects, including residential and mixed‑use developments, commercial and industrial schemes, renewable energy projects and strategic transport infrastructure. You will be responsible for developing and reviewing highways, drainage and earthworks designs, ensuring that solutions are technically robust, commercially viable and aligned with client objectives.

A significant part of the role will involve managing and obtaining technical approvals, including Section 38, Section 104, Section 278 and Section 185 agreements. You will work closely with Local Highway Authorities, Water Companies, National Highways and other statutory bodies, developing productive relationships and ensuring successful progression through approval processes.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across Newark, Birmingham, London and the wider Tetra Tech infrastructure network, you will provide technical leadership throughout project delivery while maintaining excellent standards of quality, service and professionalism.

You will bring substantial experience in civil engineering design and project delivery, gained within highways, development infrastructure, renewable energy or major infrastructure sectors. You will possess the technical capability to develop, review and deliver complex design solutions for highways, drainage systems, earthworks and associated civil infrastructure, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and best practice guidance.

You will have a strong understanding of DMRB, sustainable drainage principles, hydraulic modelling and development infrastructure design. Your expertise will enable you to identify risks, develop practical engineering solutions and ensure projects are delivered efficiently and effectively.

Experience using AutoCAD, Civil 3D and drainage design software such as Causeway Flow is essential. A sound understanding of construction methodologies, material…