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WSP in the UK & Ireland

Principal Road Engineer

Exeter
Posted 23 days ago
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Principal Road Engineer

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role…

WSP are seeking an enthusiastic and talented Senior Engineer to join the Roads team based in Exeter.

Role

You will be leading day to day technical delivery of highway consultancy services to support our clients through all stages of the project life-cycle from feasibility and concept design through to planning, detailed design, and construction. This role will be client facing and the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record of delivery of schemes in either the local or national transport arena. The role will involve:

Managing projects to ensure coordination and compatibility of multi-disciplinary inputs on projects of varying scale, complexity and value. Clients include a number Local Authorities in the region, National Highways, MOD and a number of Contractors through Design and Build partnerships. Liaising with our clients, developing strong trusted relationships, proactively managing their expectations and comprehensively advising them. Undertake project technical lead and reviewer roles Using your technical ability and experience to support others to maximise their personal contribution to project/team goals. Prepare fee proposals and manage budgets for individual projects. Be responsible for the development and delivery of discrete and overall project solutions. Lead and manage other staff members in the delivery of design drawings, standard construction details, specifications and bill of quantities, supporting the preparation of tender packages. Responsible for compliance with Health & Safety and Environmental Legislation and inhouse quality assurance standards/processes. Be actively involved with team resource coordination, supporting the setup of teams and pitting the right people in the right roles.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

Relevant knowledge and experience of highway design and/or drainage systems at various stages of the project life cycle. Specific experience in the following areas is advantageous: road geometry, roundabouts, at-grade and grade separated junctions, inclusive active travel, highway drainage systems, road restraint systems, traffic sign and road marking design. Demonstratable experience in leading a single or multiple design disciplines of in relevant projects (i.e. road, public transport, active travel, public real and/or private development). Experience of contract document preparation or contract administration/site supervision using Public Works Contracts The ability to use, direct and check the design outputs created in relevant softwares including but not limited to Autodesk Civils 3D, Bentley OpenRoads Designer, InfoDrainage and/or PDS. Good communication, client/stakeholder management and interpersonal skills are essential. Chartered Civil Engineer or an Incorporated Engineer with applicable post professional qualification experience. A thorough understanding and application of the relevant design codes such as the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, TSRGD, Local Authority design guidance and are well versed in the preparation of drawings for contract documentation and technical approvals including the application of departures from standard. Experience of complying with Designers Duties under CDM regulations. Proactively manages change on tasks/projects, clearly communicating potential impacts on programme, cost, and quality.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

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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.

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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

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£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

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Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

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Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

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Skills

Highway Design
Drainage Systems
Project Management
Client Management
Technical Leadership
Budget Management
Health & Safety Compliance
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Contract Administration
Design Software
Road Geometry
Traffic Sign Design
Active Travel
Construction Details
Quality Assurance

Location

Exeter, England, United Kingdom

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