Principal Road Engineer

Job Description

WSP are seeking an enthusiastic and talented Senior Engineer to join the Roads team based in Exeter.

You will be leading the day‑to‑day technical delivery of highway consultancy services to support our clients through all stages of the project life‑cycle from feasibility and concept design through to planning, detailed design, and construction.

This role is client facing and requires a track record of delivery of schemes in the local or national transport arena.

• Managing projects to ensure coordination and compatibility of multi‑disciplinary input on projects of varying scale, complexity and value. Clients include a number of Local Authorities in the region, National Highways, MOD and a number of Contractors through Design and Build partnerships.
• Liaising with our clients, developing strong trusted relationships, proactively managing their expectations and comprehensively advising them.
• Undertake project technical lead and reviewer roles.
• Using your technical ability and experience to support others to maximise their personal contribution to project/team goals.
• Prepare fee proposals and manage budgets for individual projects.
• Be responsible for the development and delivery of discrete and overall project solutions.
• Lead and manage other staff members in the delivery of design drawings, standard construction details, specifications and bill of quantities, supporting the preparation of tender packages.
• Responsible for compliance with Health & Safety and Environmental Legislation and in‑house quality assurance standards/processes.
• Be actively involved with team resource coordination, supporting the setup of teams and pitting the right people in the right roles.

• Relevant knowledge and experience of highway design and/or drainage systems at various stages of the project life cycle, including road geometry, roundabouts, at‑grade and grade‑separated junctions, inclusive active travel, highway drainage systems, road restraint systems, traffic sign and road marking design.
• Demonstrable experience in leading a single or multiple design disciplines on relevant projects (e.g. road, public transport, active travel, public real or private development).
• Experience of contract document preparation or contract administration/site supervision using Public Works Contracts.
• Ability to use, direct and check the design outputs created in relevant software including but not limited to Autodesk Civils 3D, Bentley Open Roads Designer, Info Drainage and/or PDS.
• Good communication, client/stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
• Chartered Civil Engineer or an Incorporated Engineer with applicable post‑professional qualification experience.
• Thorough understanding and application of the relevant design codes such as the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, TSRGD, Local Authority design guidance and experience preparing drawings for contract documentation and technical approvals, including the application of departures from standard.
• Experience of complying with Designers Duties under CDM regulations.
• Proactively manages change on tasks/projects, clearly communicating potential impacts on programme, cost and quality.

• Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week, with opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & belonging: welcoming applicants from varied backgrounds and encouraging authentic selves.
• Health & wellbeing: support through Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme and menopause support package.
• Flexibility: “WSP My Hour” allows taking one hour each day for personal activities; part‑time and flexible working arrangements, option to purchase additional leave and use bank holiday entitlement.
• Development: training, mentoring, Chartership support.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.