Jacobs
Highways Principal Engineer (UK Wide)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Principal Highways Engineer
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your Impact
This isn’t just another engineering role—it’s your chance to shape how the UK moves.
As a Principal Highways Engineer, you’ll lead the design and delivery of major transport projects that connect communities, boost economies, and improve everyday journeys. You’ll drive smarter, safer, more efficient design solutions while mentoring the next generation of engineers and influencing how we deliver projects at scale.
From national programmes to local schemes that make a real difference, your expertise will directly elevate performance, innovation, and outcomes across our highways capability.
About The Opportunity
We know great people want more than just a job—so here’s what you can expect:
- Real influence – Lead high-profile projects and shape technical decisions that matter
- Variety & impact – Work on everything from local authority schemes to global mega-projects
- Career growth – Opportunities to step into leadership, grow your team, and expand your impact
- Flexibility – Balance your work and life in a way that works for you
- Innovate & improve – Champion new approaches, automation, and better ways of working
- Supportive culture – Collaborate with talented, passionate people across the UK and beyond
Jacobs maintains market-leading expertise in transport, partnering with clients like National Highways, Transport Scotland, and the Welsh Government, among global contractors. From projects like NEOM and King Khalid International Airport to local schemes with councils and transport authorities across the UK, their work transforms communities and economies. You'll engage in diverse projects across the North, Midlands, and South-West, such as with Manchester Airport Group, Birmingham City Council, and the West of England Combined Authority.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements
To thrive in this role, you’ll need:
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g., degree in engineering, CEng/IEng or equivalent)
- Technical experience in delivering local and/or major highways projects, or land side elements in markets like water or aviation
- Leadership capability: experience managing small project teams effectively
- A thorough understanding of design standards such as the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) or international equivalents
- Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and a commitment to fostering safety and well-being
- Financial management expertise for overseeing projects and maintaining control
About Jacobs
Joining Jacobs connects you locally and globally. Our values are rooted in safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging—installing people at the core of our mission. A culture of caring means supporting one another will help you and all team members succeed.
We prioritise safety, flexibility, and innovation, offering:
- Flexible working arrangements (hybrid models balancing office/projects and remote roles)
- Well-being and extended benefits
- An energetic culture and global volunteering programmes
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Well-being is central to our operations, and you can expect supportive colleagues, flexible policies, and opportunities to develop your career goals. With a commitment to collaboration, we advocate in-person engagement to foster culture and client outcomes, allowing employees to work both in-office and remotely based on what best drives their performance.
At Jacobs, we champion inclusion and belonging. We’ll create a workplace where creativity and connection thrive by accepting diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our initiatives include:
- Employee Networks
- Communities of Practice
- Orientation programs like Find Your Community
These initiatives encourage every Jacobs employee to feel a sense of connection, purpose, and belonging.
Want to join this global movement? Apply today with sleek benefits designed to enhance your potential—where every difference you bring enriches those around you.
#UkTransportation
Hiring at Jacobs: VERCIDA Partnership
Disability confident employer. We interview disabled and minority candidates with equivalent qualifications, champion joiners requesting flexible working, and consider flexible applications at all stages of recruitment.
We welcome collaboration and recognise in-person interactions are vital for our culture and success. Hybrid working fosters engagement, enabling delivery excellence between offices and remote locations.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location