JOB PROFILE

What Is a Principal Highways Engineer?

IN THIS JOB PROFILE

You Will Learn.

  • What is a Principal Highways Engineer?
  • What are the responsibilities of a Principal Highways Engineer? 
  • What qualifications does a Principal Highways Engineer need?
  • What is the average salary of a Principal Highways Engineer?
  • Who employs a Principal Highways Engineer?
  • What skills does a Principal Highways Engineer need?
  • Where the latest Principal Highways Engineer jobs are and how to apply for them.
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What Is a Principal Highways Engineer?

A Principal Highways Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for leading and overseeing the planning, design, and implementation of major highways and transportation infrastructure projects. 

They play a crucial role in managing and coordinating the activities of a team of engineers, ensuring the successful delivery of complex highway development schemes.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Principal Highways Engineer?

A Principal Highways Engineer's primary duties include overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept development to final implementation, and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. 

They provide technical leadership and guidance to a team of engineers, facilitating the development of innovative and sustainable solutions for complex highway development schemes. 

Principal Highways Engineers collaborate closely with stakeholders, including local authorities, contractors, and consultants, to ensure that project objectives align with urban development goals and meet the needs of the community. 


While working as a Principal Highways Engineer, you will be required to:

  • Oversee the entire lifecycle of highway and transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to a team of engineers.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project alignment with urban development goals.
  • Manage project resources and conduct comprehensive risk assessments.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safety requirements.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in highway engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

To become a Principal Highways Engineer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field.

Postgraduate qualifications, such as a master's degree or a relevant professional certification, can enhance one's expertise and career advancement prospects. 

Extensive practical experience in the field of highway engineering, is crucial for assuming a leadership position.

On average, a Principal Highways Engineer earns between £47,000 and £60,000 per year. 

However, this can vary based on factors such as experience, location, the specific organisation, and the complexity of the role.

The majority of Principal Highways Engineer jobs are found within engineering consultancy firms and construction companies to lead and manage significant highway and transportation infrastructure projects.

Local authorities frequently recruit Principal Highways Engineers to oversee and coordinate the planning, design, and implementation of key highway development schemes. 

Transportation and infrastructure development firms may also employ Principal Highways Engineers to provide technical leadership and expertise in the execution of large-scale transportation projects.

What Skills Does a Principal Highways Engineer Need?

A Principal Highways Engineer must possess a comprehensive set of skills to effectively lead and manage complex highway and transportation infrastructure projects. Strong technical proficiency in highway engineering principles, including expertise in highway design, construction management, and project delivery, is essential. 

Excellent leadership and management skills are crucial for effectively coordinating a team of engineers, overseeing project timelines, and ensuring the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects. 


Key skills of a Principal Highways Engineer include:

  • Technical proficiency in highway engineering principles, design, and project delivery.
  • Leadership and management skills for effectively coordinating a team of engineers and overseeing project timelines.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal abilities for collaboration with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Analytical skills for conducting comprehensive risk assessments and proposing effective solutions.
  • Problem-solving abilities and strong decision-making aptitude for resolving complex engineering issues.
  • Adaptability and willingness to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in highway engineering.

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