Overview

Principal Civil Engineer (Rivers) – WSP in the UK & Ireland

Join to apply for the Principal Civil Engineer (Rivers) role at WSP in the UK & Ireland. This role focuses on Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) for river scour and Local Authority programme delivery, with opportunities to grow technical capability across the River and Coastal Engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise for rivers, scour and coastal civil engineering design teams.
• Support the delivery of proposals and client engagements.
• Mentor and develop Apprentices, Graduates, and Early Career Professionals.
• Contribute to Innovation Accelerator programs and Research & Development initiatives.
• Support the delivery of local authority FCERM programmes.

Qualifications & What We Are Looking For

• Experience post degree in designing sustainable water management engineering designs such as scour assessments and scour repair design, river or flood defence works, coastal engineering.
• Degree qualified in civil engineering.
• Knowledge and understanding of flood and river scour design principles and solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects/programmes and teams to meet quality and commercial targets.
• Chartered Civil Engineer status.

We are open to candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate relevant experience and alignment with the team. The preferred location is the South West of England (Exeter or Bristol offices), with consideration for other locations nationwide.

About the Team and Role

You will join the national Sustainable Water Management team, which leads in the sector with a proactive and collaborative work ethic. The successful candidate will contribute to delivering innovative, lasting solutions to high-profile challenges for clients and shape the future of the team at WSP.

What’s In It For You

• Work-life balance and hybrid working policy (two days home, with opportunities to collaborate in offices across the UK).
• Inclusivity and belonging initiatives with employee resource groups and a culture of respect and integrity.
• Health & wellbeing benefits through Thrive programme, Virtual GP, sensible workplace adjustments, gym discounts, and menopause support.
• Flexible time arrangements (e.g., WSP My Hour), part-time and flexible working, leave purchase, and bank holiday entitlements.
• Development opportunities including training, mentoring, and Chartership support.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of background. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and will provide workplace adjustments on request.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Professional Services