Principal Design Engineer

Principal Design Engineer

Portsmouth Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of innovative geotechnical and structural projects, focusing on foundations and ground stability.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking engineering firm committed to excellence and innovation in construction.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, opportunities for remote work, and access to cutting-edge technology.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: You need a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and strong experience in geotechnical design.
  • Other info: Chartered Engineer status and familiarity with NEC4 contracts are highly desirable.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Principal Design Engineer (Ground Specialist) to lead the development and delivery of both temporary and permanent works designs. This role plays a critical part in ensuring engineering excellence across complex geotechnical and structural projects, with a focus on foundations, ground stability, and shoring systems. You'll supervise junior staff, manage external support, and collaborate closely with internal teams, clients, and consultancies, while driving innovation through BIM and digital technologies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop temporary and permanent works designs including shoring, foundations, and ground stability.
  • Review and approve engineering calculations, drawings, and technical documents.
  • Supervise and mentor junior engineers and manage third-party design input.
  • Ensure compliance with QHSE standards, company procedures, and industry regulations.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients and project stakeholders.
  • Promote and integrate BIM and digital modelling tools into design processes.
  • Support continual improvement initiatives and innovation in design practices.
  • Lead or participate in contract discussions with awareness of NEC4 and JCT frameworks.

Skills & Experience Required

  • Proven expertise in geotechnical design and interpreting ground information.
  • Strong experience in temporary works (e.g., piling, soil retention, ground stability).
  • Commercial awareness, especially with NEC4 and JCT contracts.
  • Excellent leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
  • In-depth knowledge of H&S, construction methods, plant, and environmental legislation.
  • Proficient in Microsoft 365, AutoCAD, Civils 3D, Revit, and BIM tools.

Qualifications (Desirable)

  • Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Chartered Engineer (ICE or equivalent).
  • CSCS Card holder.
  • Certified Temporary Works Coordinator.

If you feel that you have the skills and experience required in this advertisement to be a Principal Design Engineer, submit your CV including an outline of your experience as a Principal Design Engineer. It is always a good idea to include a covering letter outlining your experience as a Principal Design Engineer with your application as this will enhance your chances of selection and improve your prospects of landing the Principal Design Engineer role you desire.

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Contact Detail:

ACS Performance Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the geotechnical and structural engineering fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and clients who can provide insights into the role and possibly refer you.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest BIM and digital modelling tools. Since this role emphasises innovation through technology, showcasing your proficiency in these areas during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with NEC4 and JCT contracts in detail. Understanding these frameworks will demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to navigate contract discussions effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Highlight your leadership and mentoring experiences in previous roles. As a Principal Design Engineer, you'll be supervising junior staff, so sharing specific examples of how you've successfully led teams will strengthen your candidacy.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer

Geotechnical Design Expertise
Temporary Works Design
Foundation Engineering
Ground Stability Analysis
Shoring Systems Design
Leadership and Mentoring
Communication Skills
Project Management
BIM Integration
Digital Modelling Tools Proficiency
Compliance with QHSE Standards
Contractual Knowledge (NEC4, JCT)
Microsoft 365 Proficiency
AutoCAD Proficiency
Civils 3D Proficiency
Revit Proficiency
Commercial Awareness
Health and Safety Legislation Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in geotechnical design, temporary works, and any relevant projects you've led. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in foundations, ground stability, and shoring systems.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that outlines your experience as a Principal Design Engineer. Emphasise your leadership skills, mentoring experience, and familiarity with NEC4 and JCT contracts. This is your chance to showcase how you can contribute to the company's success.

Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to mention your proficiency in Microsoft 365, AutoCAD, Civils 3D, Revit, and BIM tools. These technical skills are crucial for the role and should be clearly stated in both your CV and cover letter.

Showcase Compliance Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of QHSE standards, company procedures, and industry regulations in your application. Providing examples of how you've ensured compliance in past projects will strengthen your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at ACS Performance

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Design Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of geotechnical design and temporary works. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented innovative solutions, particularly in foundations and ground stability.

✨Highlight Leadership Skills

Since the role involves supervising junior engineers, emphasise your leadership and mentoring experience. Share examples of how you've guided teams, managed third-party inputs, and fostered collaboration among stakeholders.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Contracts

Understanding NEC4 and JCT frameworks is essential for this position. Brush up on these contracts and be ready to discuss how you've navigated contract discussions in previous roles, showcasing your commercial awareness.

✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Innovation

The role requires promoting BIM and digital modelling tools. Prepare to talk about how you've integrated these technologies into your design processes and any initiatives you've led that contributed to continual improvement in engineering practices.

Principal Design Engineer
ACS Performance
Location: Portsmouth
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