Principal Civil Engineer

Principal Civil Engineer

Engineer the Future of Infrastructure

We are proud to have secured several project wins as we provide sustainable solutions to our clients’ aspirations. With growing project deliverables and a strong growth strategy for Scotland, we currently have an opportunity for a Principal Civil Engineer to join our team in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

This is your chance to lead and shape projects that improve connectivity, strengthen critical infrastructure, and support sustainable development across the UK. If you are passionate about civil engineering design, sustainability, and delivering innovative solutions, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact while advancing your career within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you will take responsibility for leading the delivery of complex civil engineering projects from concept through to construction design. You will provide technical leadership and strategic input across highways/roads, access tracks, bridges, retaining structures, drainage systems, and associated works, ensuring buildability, value engineering, and compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.

You will oversee the development of concept designs for planning and third party consents/approvals, preparation of sustainable drainage proposals, and liaising with statutory consultees such as Local Authorities, SEPA, and EA. Acting as the client’s primary point of contact, you will manage design packages, lead multi-disciplinary coordination, and ensure timely delivery to programme and budget. You will also mentor and guide senior and junior engineers, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to quality assurance processes.

From design concept to construction stage, you will actively manage health, safety, and environmental hazards, communicate residual risks effectively, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements and guidance. You will play a key role in implementing project management frameworks and supporting work-winning activities to drive business growth.

You will be instrumental in delivering infrastructure that supports economic growth and sustainable development. Success in this role is measured through technical leadership, strategic thinking, and proactive collaboration. In the short term, you will focus on leading high-quality design outputs and supporting project delivery. Over time, you will take on greater responsibility for client engagement, business development, and shaping our infrastructure offering across Scotland.

At Tetra Tech RPS, we recruit using core capabilities—the essential skills, experience, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. But here’s the secret: there’s no such thing as the perfect candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you.

• You will bring extensive experience in civil engineering design and project delivery, ideally within highways/roads, renewable energy, or major infrastructure projects.
• Your technical capability will include the ability to develop and review complex designs for roads, drainage systems, earthworks, and associated civil structures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and drainage design software such as Causeway Flow or Micro Drainage is essential, as these tools will enable you to produce accurate and efficient design outputs.
• A strong understanding of industry standards such as DMRB, sustainable drainage design principles, and hydraulic modelling that enable the delivery of robust and environmentally responsible solutions.
• Your knowledge of construction methodologies, material specifications, and testing requirements will ensure that designs are practical, cost-effective, and buildable.

• As a Principal Civil Engineer, you will demonstrate proven experience in managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects and leading design teams…