Jacobs
Principal Drainage Engineer - Multiple Locations
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Principal Drainage Engineer - Multiple Locations
Principal Engineer – Drainage Specialist
About Jacobs and the Role
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 will directly shape some of the UK’s most high-profile transportation programmes. As a Principal Engineer in this role:
- You’ll influence the technical direction of major highway and rail schemes for clients such as National Highways, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, the Welsh Government, HS2 Ltd, national contractors, and local authorities.
- Your leadership will strengthen a team renowned for excellence, helping expand our growing portfolio across the United Kingdom.
- As the technical discipline lead, you’ll set drainage engineering standards on multidisciplinary projects by guiding design quality, challenging assumptions, and driving innovative, sustainable solutions.
- You’ll apply expertise in drainage modelling tools, DMRB or UK Rail Standards, SuDS design, and engagement with Lead Local Flood Authorities to shape project outcomes.
- A key aspect of your role is mentoring and developing young engineers, ensuring we nurture future talent while elevating business-wide capability.
Thriving communities depend on our work—we don’t just build roads and rail, we improve lives daily. Join Jacobs, a company deeply invested in your success and the communities we serve.
This position can be based at Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, or London.
Key Responsibilities
Here are some key deliverables, though they are not exclusive to this list:
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- Design and problem-solving: Producing and reviewing feasibility studies, technical reports, detailed designs, and contract documents for varied projects.
- Quality assurance: Checking and reviewing scheme deliverables, providing oversight to ensure quality.
- Team development: Supporting the technical growth of Junior/Senior Engineers within the team.
- Project oversight: Monitoring and reporting on project progress.
- Innovative solutions: Collaborating to find best-practice, cost-effective solutions for drainage and transportation challenges.
Requirements
To be successful in this role, the following criteria must be met:
- A relevant engineering degree.
- Chartered or Incorporated status (or working toward it).
- Proficiency in drainage modelling software and related engineering tools.
- Experience delivering drainage and/or transportation projects across different scheme stages.
- Thorough knowledge of DMRB standards, UK Rail Standards, SuDS Design Manual, and broader technical guidelines applicable to your expertise.
- Must hold a full valid driving licence (site travel required).
Outstanding Benefits
Culture and Innovation
Jacobs is founded on safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging. Our employees are valued for their unique perspectives and lived experiences, creating a vibrant workplace. Through our Jacobs Employee Networks, communities, and hybrid working policies, we foster growth, collaboration, and a sense of purpose.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We recognise that embracing diversity not only strengthens our team but also drives innovation. We are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees truly belong—where everyone finds each other, five together, and inspire collective success.
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Global Reach
With Jacobs, you’re not just signing up for a job; you’re part of a global company that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Here’s what you gain:
- Flexible working arrangements to suit your needs, whether hybrid, remote, or in-person.
- Supportive well-being initiatives designed to help you thrive.
- Opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
- Enhancements like “Find Your Community” initiatives, promoting wellbeing through shared interests, diversity, and development.
Jacobs champions positive mental health and takes pride in nurturing a culture where everyone—regardless of background—feels a sense of belonging and rights in the workplace.
Finding Your Fit
If you seek a purposeful, inclusive, and supportive environment, Jacobs links you with resources to refine your application experience. If you require adjustments for accessibility or additional support during the recruitment process, including form formats, please reach out to Careers Support.
"We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We see this as critical to being more connected, creative, and successful."
Fairness and Opportunities
We actively encourage applications from:
- Disabled candidates under our Disability Confident Scheme (evaluating everyone fairly).
- Those seeking flexible working arrangements.
- Candidates exceeding the criteria—balanced on ability, potential, and fit with our company culture.
Our hybrid policy empowers professional flexibility, blending office presence, remote work, and on-site obligations for optimal results.
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Jessica, London
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