Principal Civil Engineer

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 19 March 2026
LOCATION
Falmer
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Engineering
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Civil Engineering Water/Wastewater Projects Technical Leadership Design Regulatory Compliance Project Management Risk Assessment Sustainability

FULL DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Principal Civil Engineer

Location: Brighton (Hybrid or Remote options available)

Contract Type: Full Time, Perm

Salary: To be discussed at the screening stage

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Civil Engineer to provide technical leadership in the delivery of Water/ Wastewater projects. As a key figure within our team, you will guide the design team, provide detailed technical analysis, and ensure successful project delivery. You will work closely with Project Design Leads and stakeholders, driving innovation, ensuring value for money, and delivering solutions that meet our high standards of safety, sustainability, and quality.

If you are passionate about technical excellence, innovation, and delivering infrastructure projects that make a difference, this role is for you.

Responsibilities will include:

Safety & Environment:

  • Operate in compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards (including CDM regulations).
  • Develop risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure that designs promote environmental sustainability.

Technical Leadership:

  • Lead and provide technical guidance on the design of water non-infra projects.
  • Prepare design calculations, specifications, and technical content for contracts.
  • Oversee approval of designs and ensure compliance with technical governance and QA processes.
  • Manage project budgets and resolve complex design issues.

Innovation:

  • Challenge existing practices and promote continuous improvement.
  • Research and implement industry best practices, including digital design concepts.
  • Support the Discipline Lead in maintaining and updating technical standards.

Financial & Commercial:

  • Deliver cost-effective, low-carbon solutions that meet project budgets.
  • Assist Project Managers with budget tracking and financial planning.

Programme Management:

  • Ensure design timelines are achievable and proactively address potential delays.

Customer Focus:

  • Ensure designs meet customer and regulatory expectations.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences and contribute to technical papers and press releases.

What you’ll bring to the role:

MEng/BEng/BSc or HNC in  Civil Engineering, Environmental, or a numerate science-related subject.

Chartered Engineer with a relevant engineering or scientific institution.

Extensive knowledge of design processes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.

In-depth understanding of the commercial environment within the water industry

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation

Inclusive & Empowering

"At [Employer hidden], we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at [Employer hidden], you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Interested in the role?

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so if you are interested in the position please do send your application over today to ensure consideration.

We truly appreciate every application. Please note, that due to the volume of interest, we may not be able to provide personalised feedback to all applicants.

Our Benefits

Company and performance-related bonus

Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution

Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary

Health benefits through a Cash Plan

Two paid community volunteering days a year

25 days annual holiday

Occupational health service

Retail discount app

We offer competitive maternity leave, and flexible return to work options

Everybody Welcome

We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to facilitate your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Need flexibility in your work?

Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?

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