Principal Structural Engineer

Principal Structural Engineer

Location: Manchester (Hybrid working, 3 to 4 days a week onsite)

Contract: 12 month contract

Rate: 400 to 490 per day (outside IR35)

We are currently recruiting for a Principal Structural Engineer to join a growing engineering consultancy delivering major infrastructure projects across the rail and water sectors. This is an excellent opportunity to work on technically challenging projects while leading structural design delivery within an experienced multidisciplinary team.

The Role

As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership and ensuring high-quality structural design delivery across a range of infrastructure projects.

You will work closely with clients, project teams, and junior engineers to develop safe, efficient, and compliant structural solutions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the design team produces deliverables that meet safety and quality requirements
• Approving design deliverables, design risk assessments, reports, and specifications
• Identifying efficient structural design solutions from project scopes and site visits
• Leading and developing engineers, CAD technicians, and graduates
• Estimating engineering hours for design work packages
• Acting as Responsible Engineer / CRE on selected projects
• Supporting continuous improvement of engineering standards and best practices

Typical Projects

• Projects are delivered across the UK rail and water sectors, including:
• Bridge repair and strengthening designs
• New-build service reservoirs
• Foundations for overhead line equipment (OLE)
• Retaining wall designs for sewage treatment works upgrades

Initial Project

Design of reinforced concrete detention tanks used to store sewage during storm conditions. These structures typically include:

• Reinforced concrete shafts
• Diameters exceeding 10 metres
• Depths of 15-20 metres

Required Experience

• Minimum 10 years' structural design experience at Senior or Principal level

• Strong experience in regulated infrastructure sectors, such as:

• Rail
• Water
• Oil & Gas
• Nuclear
• Highways
• Bridges

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
• Degree or HND in Civil/Structural Engineering
• Strong understanding of engineering drawing practices
• Awareness of construction methods and materials
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Key Skills

• Strong technical structural engineering knowledge
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to lead and mentor engineers
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Results-focused with strong attention to design quality and compliance

If you are interested in discussing this opportunity further, please apply or get in touch to arrange a confidential conversation.