Senior Design Engineer - Railway Civil Engineering
Crewe £50,000-£60,000 Permanent Full-time
Join a Growing Team - Clear Progression to Technical Director
Are you a hands-on design engineer looking to step up into a leadership role with real influence over business direction? We're seeking a Senior Design Engineer to join my client's small management team and take ownership of railway civil engineering projects from quotation to completion.
What Makes This Role Different?

• Real technical work - You'll personally undertake calculations and design work, not just manage others
• Complete project ownership - From tender stage through to as-built drawings
• Management team position - Direct involvement in business decisions and strategy
• Clear progression path - Principal Engineer Technical Director opportunities
• No glass ceilings - We promote based on capability and contribution

• Lead technical design work, including calculations, drawings, and specifications
• Act as Design CRE on projects where required
• Manage and develop our design team through mentoring and guidance
• Represent the company at client meetings and industry events
• Take projects from quotation through to completion
• Contribute to business development and strategic planning

• Chartered Engineer (or demonstrably close to achieving chartered status)
• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline
• Member of relevant institution (ICE, IStructE, PWI, etc.)

• Proven hands-on design capability in railway civil engineering
• Experience as or ability to become Design CRE
• Strong knowledge of relevant standards and CDM regulations
• Competent with design calculations and technical problem-solving

• Track record of successfully managing design teams
• Excellent communication skills for client representation
• Ability to mentor and develop junior team members
• Strong organisational and project management abilities

• Genuine desire for career progression and business involvement
• Positive, willing attitude with a collaborative approach
• Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure
• Commitment to supporting business growth activities

• CAD experience (particularly MicroStation)
• BIM knowledge and awareness
• Safety management qualifications (NEBOSH, IOSH)
• Experience with electronic project systems

• Salary: £50,000-£60,000 (exceptional candidates considered above range)
• Hours: 39 hours/week (9am-5pm, core hours 9:30am-4pm)
• Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays
• Pension: Statutory scheme

• 4-day week option available
• Hybrid working: 1 day per week from home
• Probation period: 26 weeks

• Support for chartered status achievement
• Clear progression pathway to Principal Engineer/Technical Director
• Professional development training and CPD support
• PTS card training provided
• Mentoring from an experienced management team

• Small, collaborative management team
• Direct involvement in business decisions
• Opportunity to shape company direction
• A variety of challenging railway infrastructure projects
• Supportive culture focused on professional growth

• Wants to be involved in business management, not just technical delivery
• Takes pride in personally delivering high-quality design work
• Enjoys developing others and building strong teams
• Is excited about representing the company externally
• Sees this as a long-term career move with growth potential

• Evidence of your chartered status progress
• Examples of hands-on design work you've personally delivered
• Your experience in team leadership and development
• Why are you interested in business involvement and career progression