Project Engineer – Alignment/Geometry (Civil 3D Modelling)
Join a team shaping the next generation of transport infrastructure across Ireland and the UK. As Principal Engineer – Alignment/Geometry, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering complex, high‑value projects using cutting‑edge design and modelling tools. This senior technical role is for someone ready to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
This role is central to the successful delivery of major transport infrastructure schemes. You’ll lead a growing team of alignment designers, overseeing the technical delivery of Civil 3D modelling and geometry design packages. Working closely with the Alignment Lead, project managers and multidisciplinary teams, you’ll ensure outputs meet the highest standards of quality, safety and innovation.
You’ll manage resources, review technical deliverables and present design solutions to clients. In a 155‑strong Transport and Civils Sector, you’ll contribute to significant infrastructure projects in the UK and Ireland, including schemes valued up to €500 million. You’ll also mentor junior engineers and uphold internal QA and BIM standards, reporting to both the Alignment Team Lead and Business Unit Director.
Your Impact in this Position
From day one, you’ll lead the delivery of alignment design packages on flagship projects such as the A9 Tay to Ballinluig and the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge. You’ll play a key role in project management, team utilisation and budget control, while supporting tendering and maintaining a strong pipeline of work.
As the role evolves, you’ll take on full‑lifecycle project delivery—from concept to construction and handover—while contributing to strategic planning and design coordination. Your leadership will keep the team at the forefront of industry standards and innovation.
Looking ahead, this position offers a clear path to senior leadership. You’ll help shape the future of the business, strengthen client relationships and identify new opportunities. With the upcoming rebrand to Tetra Tech in March 2026, you’ll also gain access to global collaboration and career progression within an international network.
Your Toolkit for Success at TetraTech RPS
At Tetra Tech RPS we recruit using core capabilities – the toolkit of essential skills, experience, competencies and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. We are seeking individuals that meet a benchmark level of expertise. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.
In‑depth Knowledge of Highways Design Standards
The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of both Irish and UK road and active‑travel design standards, including a strong command of TII Publications, the TII Project Management Guidelines and relevant guidance from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Department of Transport (DoT). They will be expected to apply these standards rigorously across all stages of project delivery, ensuring compliance, safety and innovation in every design solution. A proactive approach to staying current with evolving standards and best practices is essential.
Advanced Proficiency in Road Design Software
A high level of technical proficiency in road alignment and geometry design software is critical. The candidate must be an expert user of Autodesk Civil 3D, with the ability to both produce high‑quality design outputs and interrogate complex models created by others. Familiarity with other industry‑standard tools such as OpenRoads or MX Road is advantageous. The role requires the ability to translate design intent into accurate digital models, ensuring seamless integration with BIM workflows and multidisciplinary design environments.
Leadership in Design Delivery and Team Management
The Principal Engineer will be a proven leader, capable of managing and motivating design teams to deliver high‑quality outputs on time and within budget. They will have experience leading both employer‑led and contractor‑led projects across rural and urban contexts and through all stages of the project lifecycle—from feasibility and planning through to detailed design and construction support. The role requires a strategic mindset, with the ability to manage resources, forecast workloads and contribute to business development and tendering activities. A key aspect is mentoring and developing junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
Collaborative Working in Multidisciplinary Environments
Given the scale and complexity of the projects involved, the ability to work effectively within large, multidisciplinary teams is essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience collaborating with professionals across a range of disciplines—including structures, drainage, environmental, geotechnical and planning—to deliver integrated and coordinated design solutions. They will be adept at navigating the challenges of geographically dispersed teams, using digital collaboration tools and clear communication to maintain alignment and momentum across project teams.
Exceptional Communication and Client Engagement Skills
Clear, confident and proactive communication is a cornerstone of this role. The Principal Engineer will be expected to engage regularly with clients, project managers and internal stakeholders, presenting technical information in a clear and compelling manner. They will represent the business at technical meetings, contribute to design reviews and provide strategic input to project planning and delivery. Strong written communication skills are equally important, with the ability to produce high‑quality reports, design documentation and client correspondence. The role also involves mentoring junior staff, requiring the ability to provide constructive feedback, guide professional development and support the growth of the team.
Expected Qualifications, Training and Experience
* Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
* Chartered Engineer status (CEng MICE or equivalent)
* Extensive experience in alignment and geometry design for transport infrastructure
* Demonstrable leadership experience in a design consultancy environment
Beneficial Qualifications, Training and Experience
* Postgraduate qualifications in transport or infrastructure engineering
* Project Management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM)
* Experience with BIM Level 2 standards and digital delivery platforms
* Familiarity with international design standards and practices
Submit your application today and discover what’s possible at Tetra Tech RPS Consulting.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.
Flexible working options are available in this role, with working patterns agreed collaboratively between employees and line managers to support individual wellbeing and optimal performance.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
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