Lead Civil Engineer

Lead Civil Engineer – Data Centre Design & Permitting

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Lead Civil Engineer to join a leading international engineering consultancy, supporting major data centre and mission‑critical projects across Germany.

Location: Frankfurt, Germany

Salary: €80,000 – €100,000 basic + package (dependent on experience)

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Civil Engineer to take ownership of civil engineering design activities for complex data centre projects across RIBA Stages 1–4.

Working as the civil discipline lead, you will provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams, delivering high‑quality civil engineering solutions while acting as a key point of contact for clients, authorities, utilities, and external consultants.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience delivering civil engineering projects within Germany, with a solid understanding of local standards, permitting processes, authority engagement, underground infrastructure, drainage systems, and site development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead civil engineering design activities from concept through detailed design stages.
• Take ownership of civil engineering strategies, technical solutions, and project deliverables.
• Develop and review designs covering: Stormwater drainage and attenuation systems; Sewer networks and utility infrastructure; Underground services coordination; Earthworks, grading, roads, and site development.
• Coordinate civil engineering activities with structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and environmental disciplines.
• Support permitting activities, including drainage, dewatering, infiltration, and water‑related approvals.
• Liaise with municipalities, utility providers, water authorities, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and client meetings.
• Mentor and support engineers within the civil engineering team, promoting technical excellence and best practice.

Requirements for the position:

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering civil engineering projects within Germany.
• Proven experience leading civil engineering design teams and multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of: Drainage and sewer design; Hydraulic calculations; Underground utilities; Earthworks and grading; Site infrastructure planning.
• Strong understanding of German regulations, permitting requirements, and authority approval processes.
• Experience engaging with municipalities, utilities, and water authorities.
• Confident client‑facing skills with the ability to lead technical discussions.
• Fluent German language skills with strong English proficiency.
• Background delivering data centre, industrial, logistics, or other mission‑critical infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of AwSV requirements, groundwater protection, and water management strategies.
• Experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Revit, or BIM coordination tools.
• Experience working alongside environmental and permitting specialists.
• Professional accreditation or chartership would be advantageous.

PLEASE NOTE

Fluent German at B2 level or above is essential for this position, alongside strong English communication skills. Candidates without the required German language capability will unfortunately not be considered.