Principal Engineer – Alignment/Geometry (Civil 3D Modelling)
Lead the Future of Transport Infrastructure. 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 requires you 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. As a senior figure in a 155‑strong Transport & Civils sector, you’ll contribute to some of the most 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.
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 help 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 Tetra Tech RPS we recruit using core capabilities – the toolkit of essential skills, experience, competencies, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. As we strive to find the best fit for this position, 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 TII Publications, TII Project Management Guidelines, and national guidance from the NTA and DoT. They will apply these standards rigorously across all stages of project delivery, ensuring compliance, safety, and innovation.
Advanced Proficiency in Road Design Software
High technical proficiency in road alignment and geometry design software is critical. The candidate must be an expert user of Autodesk Civil 3D, capable of producing high‑quality design outputs and interrogating complex models created by others. Familiarity with other industry‑standard tools such as OpenRoads or MX Road is advantageous.
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. The role requires a strategic mindset, resource and workload management, and contribution to business development and tendering activities. Mentoring and developing junior engineers is essential.
Collaborative Working in Multidisciplinary Environments
Experience collaborating with professionals across a range of disciplines—structures, drainage, environmental, geotechnical, and planning—is essential to deliver integrated and coordinated design solutions. The successful candidate will navigate geographically dispersed teams, using digital collaboration tools and clear communication to maintain alignment and momentum.
Exceptional Communication and Client Engagement Skills
Clear, confident, and proactive communication is a cornerstone of this role. The Principal Engineer will engage regularly with clients, project managers, and internal stakeholders, presenting technical information compellingly. 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, including high‑quality reports and client correspondence, are required.
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, & 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
Apply
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. 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.
Why Join Tetra Tech RPS?
At Tetra Tech RPS, our people are our success. We thrive on solving the problems that matter—whether in urbanisation, natural resources, or sustainability. With a collaborative culture, agile working, and access to some of the brightest minds in the industry, we empower our teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while building fulfilling careers. In 2023, RPS became part of Tetra Tech, a global leader in consulting and engineering with 30,000 employees across 550 offices in 120+ countries.
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