CDM - Principal Design Engineer

Water At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Looking for a role where your expertise actually changes outcomes?

We’re growing. The projects are getting bigger. The impact is real. At Jacobs, you won’t just advise on CDM—you’ll shape how safety is built into major infrastructure projects from day one. You’ll work closely with clients, influence design decisions early, and make a real impact on how projects are delivered across the UK.

If you’re ready for more ownership, more visibility, and work that genuinely matters—this is it.

What you’ll get;

• Real influence – help remove risk at design stage, not just report it
• High-impact projects – work across water, infrastructure, and environmental programmes
• Autonomy & trust – be the expert people turn to.
• Career growth – build your profile as a go-to CDM specialist.
• A team that gets it – collaborative, experienced, and supportive.

Your remit;

• Be the CDM expert across multiple projects—guiding teams from concept to delivery.
• Help create and embed a culture of safer design, where risks are identified early and addressed as standard practice.
• Lead the integration of governance and compliance into every phase of CDM through robust audits and reviews.
• Support and develop project teams in fulfilling their CDM roles, building capability and confidence
• Build strong relationships—become a trusted advisor to clients.
• Drive continuous improvement, using insights from audits and project experience to strengthen CDM practices across the business.
• Strengthen client maturity in CDM, supporting them to move beyond compliance towards best-in-class safety leadership.

Here's what you'll need

We would be delighted to hear from candidates with

• An established practical knowledge of CDM 2015
• Experience in a Principal Designer / CDM advisory role
• Confidence to challenge, influence, and collaborate
• A background in construction, engineering, or H&S
• NEBOSH (or equivalent)

Why now?

We’re growing. The projects are getting bigger. The impact is real.

And we need people who want to lead, not follow.

Ready to step into a role where your voice is heard and your work matters? Apply now and be part of something bigger.

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Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs .

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our  Jacobs Employee Networks here .

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As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

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Locations

City State Country
Exeter	Devon	United Kingdom
Warrington	Cheshire	United Kingdom
Reading	Berkshire	United Kingdom
Leeds	West Yorkshire	United Kingdom
Stockton on Tees	County Durham	United Kingdom
London	Greater London	United Kingdom
Manchester	Greater Manchester	United Kingdom
Exeter	Devon	United Kingdom