Principal Engineer

Overview

Lead technical delivery and risk management of complex civil projects, mentoring team.

Key Responsibilities

• technical advisor
• sustainable engineering
• team mentoring
• bid leadership
• design review
• works solutions

Tasks

Act as technical advisor during client and consultant engagement meetings, clearly communicating engineering strategies and design rationale. Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned from completed projects and embedding them into preconstruction processes. Champion sustainable and low-carbon engineering approaches, integrating SuDS, materials efficiency, and modern methods of construction. Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and learning within the preconstruction team. Provide technical leadership on bids, developing construction methodologies, sequencing, and risk mitigation strategies that maximise value and deliverability. Lead engineering input across preconstruction stages — from early feasibility and outline design through to tender submission and handover to delivery teams. Lead the technical delivery of complex civil engineering projects across Knights Brown’s portfolio, ensuring excellence in design, construction methodology, and risk management. The Principal Engineer acts as a strategic advisor, technical authority, and mentor, driving innovation, quality, and commercial success. Review and challenge designs through buildability reviews, value engineering, and technical risk assessments to ensure compliance, innovation, and cost efficiency. Develop and approve temporary and permanent works solutions in collaboration with designers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Fulfil the role of Principal Designer under CDM Regulations 2015, where required. Support tender teams with technical scope writing, programme inputs, and responses to client technical queries. Represent Knights Brown at client presentations, design reviews, and industry events to promote our technical capabilities and innovation.

Requirements

• chartered engineer
• autocad
• civil 3d
• revit
• environmental permitting
• team leadership

What You Bring

Knowledge of environmental permitting, flood risk, or water-sensitive design ________________________________________ Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams, including mentoring junior engineers and managing workflow Strong technical knowledge of engineering practices and construction standards. Excellent communication skills — able to translate complex technical detail into clear, actionable guidance Chartered Engineer or working towards (CEng) status or equivalent (ICE, IStructE, or similar) Qualifications Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or Construction Management (or equivalent). Experience in the energy, renewables. Strong understanding of buildability, temporary works, and construction sequencing Demonstrable experience in CDM compliance, risk management, and technical assurance Experience in client liaison, stakeholder engagement, and technical reporting Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or similar.

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Benefits

At Knights Brown, you’re not simply joining a company; you’re becoming part of a family that values your well-being, celebrates your achievements, and supports your growth every step of the way. This role is ideal if you’re looking to work in a supportive but ambitious environment with clear career progression and proactive employee engagement.

About Knights Brown

-Built major trunk roads including the M25 and M1 improvements before formally establishing its construction arm. -Operates from Ringwood, Bridgend, and Rochester offices, with its energy division executing projects UK-wide and into Ireland. -Typical projects include coastal engineering, flood defences, public realm highways, water utility frameworks, and civil building works. -Its fleet of directly-employed specialists handles bespoke challenges in river, marine, security-cleared, industrial, and educational environments.

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