Senior Highways Design Engineer

Reference: AW - 099_
Posted: June 10, 2026

Senior Highways Design Engineer responsible for the design, management and implementation of drainage and SuDS solutions to mitigate flood risk and enhance environmental quality in urban development on projects. Delivering on programme, and within budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality.

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of Drainage Systems for a range of projects, ensuring compliance with local, national, and environmental regulations.
• Develop innovative solutions to manage surface water runoff, incorporating SUDS principles such as attenuation ponds, swales, permeable pavements, and green roofs.
• Conduct hydraulic and hydrological modeling to assess surface water drainage requirements and identify appropriate SUDS solutions.
• Provide technical advice and support to clients, stakeholders, and project teams regarding SUDS design, best practices, and legislation.
• Review and assess existing drainage systems, conducting site surveys and condition assessments to identify capacity issues and recommend improvements.
• Prepare detailed designs, flood assessments, technical reports, specifications, and calculations for drainage systems in line with relevant industry standards and guidelines (e.g., DMRB, CIRIA, SuDS Manual).
• Oversee the preparation of planning applications and provide input into environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to address water management concerns.
• Manage the integration of SUDS with other elements of civil engineering design, such as roads, landscaping, and utilities, ensuring that systems are sustainable and cost-effective.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, supporting their professional development and helping to build a strong, collaborative team culture.
• Monitor and report on the performance of implemented SUDS, carrying out maintenance and performance reviews to ensure long-term effectiveness and compliance.

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
• Proven experience in the design and delivery of SUDS or surface water drainage projects.
• Strong understanding of drainage modelling and analysis tools (e.g., Micro Drainage, Info Drainage ICM or similar).
• Familiarity with relevant legislation and guidelines, such as the Flood and Water Management Act and the SuDS Manual.
• Excellent communication and project management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.