Principal Engineer; Drainage

Are you an experienced civil engineer with deep expertise in drainage, highways, and infrastructure design? Do you want to lead technically challenging projects, shape strategy, and drive excellence in sustainable infrastructure across the UK? If so, this is an outstanding opportunity to join our Infrastructure team as Principal Engineer and Drainage Specialist
.

In this leadership role, you will take strategic and technical ownership of drainage capabilities across the region, strengthen key client relationships, and play a pivotal part in growing and developing our technical offering.

• Principal (Drainage) – Chelmsford
• Salary: £50,000 – £60,000+
• Employer Pension Contribution: 8%
• Hours: 35-hour working week
• Location: Chelmsford (Hybrid Working Available)

High-Profile, Sustainable Projects – Lead innovative drainage, highways, and transport schemes that enhance connectivity and build resilient, future‑ready infrastructure.

Technical Leadership – Set design standards, lead technical governance, and provide expert direction across multi‑disciplinary design teams.

Senior Career Pathway – A key leadership position with opportunities to influence business growth, strategy, and team development.

Collaborative Culture – Join a people‑focused, supportive team that values technical excellence, professional integrity, and work–life balance.

Comprehensive Package – Competitive salary, hybrid working, strong pension offering, professional memberships, and flexible working arrangements.

As Principal Engineer (Drainage Technical Lead), you will oversee and deliver high‑profile infrastructure projects across the region, from early feasibility through to detailed design and construction. You will combine technical leadership with advanced technical capability in drainage design, while supporting operational performance and client engagement.

• Lead and oversee the design, procurement, and delivery of complex drainage infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical leadership on drainage and flood risk across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Build, maintain, and enhance relationships with local authorities, developers, and key clients.
• Mentor, manage, and support engineers at all levels, driving technical excellence and professional growth.
• Lead on bid preparation, fee proposals, resource planning, and business development.
• Ensure designs meet CDM 2015, DMRB, local authority, and national standards.
• Oversee project budgets, risk management, performance, and resourcing.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or near‑chartered (ICE/CIHT).
• BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering.
• 10+ years’ experience in drainage/infrastructure design, including several years in a senior/lead technical position.
• Strong technical expertise in drainage (SuDS, flood risk, surface water management, and below‑ground drainage systems).
• Proven track record delivering civil infrastructure projects end‑to‑end.
• Strong client‑facing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience mentoring and developing engineers.

• Experience with Micro Drainage (Info Drainage), Flow, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modelling software.
• Familiarity with NEC/JCT contracts and commercial project management.
• Experience working with local authorities or UK regional frameworks.
• Experience supporting business development and writing proposals.

Location:

Chelmsford (or London), with 2–3 days p/w expected in the office.

Travel:
Occasional travel to regional client meetings and project sites.
Flexible Working:
We support hybrid and flexible working to promote strong work–life balance.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead the delivery of sustainable, high‑impact drainage projects across the UK, we’d love to hear from you.