Principal Drainage Engineer

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving, and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility, and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 8,250 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

We are seeking a Principal Engineer with experience in the Highways/Development Infrastructure Sector to be part of our growing and vibrant drainage team working on exciting highway and development projects. The key role is to assist, support and deputise (when required) for the Drainage Associate Director as well as the wider drainage team, along with winning and delivering projects safely, efficiently, and effectively. The role offers hybrid working with 2-3 days office based.

Reporting to the National Drainage Associate Director, you will be part of our drainage team and play an important role to support with the delivery of projects. You will work closely with private and public sector clients of all types and across all sectors locally and regionally.

We are seeking an individual who has a sound technical background and shares our enthusiasm and determination to deliver successful projects. The candidate will form part of an existing team already delivering a varied programme of highway and transportation schemes for a wide range of public and private sector clients across both the local and strategic highway networks.

You can expect to work on development infrastructure projects from feasibility through to detailed design including drainage design, Flood Risk Assessments, and associated technical and statutory authority approvals.

You will be responsible for projects, delivery, budgets, resourcing, planning, and programming whilst also responsible for the preparation of technical outputs, coordinating with other disciplines and representing the business internally and externally.

You will also be required to play a key role in the development of the team, projects, clients, and business performance whilst also leading projects.

Experience/Skills

Essential:

• Demonstrated Civil Engineering experience within a consultancy environment.
• Good knowledge and experience of delivering surface/wastewater drainage design and appropriate approval processes.
• Experience of drainage technical design on major and minor projects including a good understanding of design principles and the ability to practically apply them,
• Good knowledge and use of Sewers for Adoption, Sewers for Scotland, DMRB, MCHW, MfS, Local Authority guides, etc. and their applications
• Good knowledge of standard engineering practices and a demonstrable understanding of Health and Safety including CDM
• Must be IT literate with excellent knowledge of AutoCAD/Microdrainage/Info drainage, Civil3D and other civil engineering packages to design and detail highway and drainage infrastructure.
• Experience of project management with a good understanding and responsibility of financial and commercial aspects of projects.
• Experience of highway design would be beneficial.
• Ability to determine appropriate solution with innovation and value.
• Excellent communications skills to be capable of communicating effectively with colleagues and Clients along with managing Client expectations, and communications/relationships with external design teams.
• Experience in line managing and providing technical oversight for delivery teams.
• Ability to mentor and supervise more junior colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of design teams and project stakeholders.
• Excellent written skills along with the preparation of technical reports and fee proposals.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Responsible for the financial, technical and project management control of the civil engineering aspects of small to large projects.
• Delegate to manage and direct Engineers and Technicians involved on projects.
• Develop and supervise junior Engineers in the team.
• Responsible for all stages of drainage designs (adoptable or non-adoptable) ensuring compliance with appropriate standards (Sewers for Adoption/Scotland, Local Design Guides, and DMRB)
• Production and delivery of technical packages and applications.
• Directing team members in the production of Microdrainage/Info Drainage, and AutoCAD models and drawings
• Liaising with project team to ensure designs are fully coordinated.
• Liaising with other construction professionals in the development of designs
• Assist and prepare with the delivery of technical outputs within the team (Drawings, Specifications, Cost Estimates, Contract Documents and Technical Reports).
• Preparation and pricing of scope/briefs, proposals, and deliverables for new projects
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and be self-motivated.
• Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with main client contacts.
• Take commercial responsibility for projects.
• Ensure successful project delivery to time, cost, quality, and other contractual requirements.
• Work with clients to understand ultimate objectives and desired outcomes for each project.
• Make presentations to clients, third parties and colleagues as appropriate.
• Be client facing, with the ability to represent the Company externally at a senior level, alongside managing their own workload and the ability to manage several projects at any one time.
• Undertake site visits to monitor the progress of works against specifications, and highlight issues to the contractor, client and/or (internal or external) project manager as necessary.

Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility

Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing

It is no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how SYSTRA can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email: where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.

As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role and if you are a returner looking to restart your career after a period outside the workplace – you could be just what we are looking for.