Principal Design Engineer

Principal Design Engineer

Oxford 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, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work environment with cutting-edge technology.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on complex projects while developing your skills in a supportive team culture.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; experience in geotechnical design and temporary works is essential.
  • Other info: Chartered Engineer status and familiarity with NEC4 and JCT 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 will 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.

Principal Design Engineer employer: ACS Performance

At ACS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of the engineering sector. Our Principal Design Engineers benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to work-life balance, and the chance to lead cutting-edge projects that shape the future of geotechnical and structural design. With a focus on mentorship and teamwork, we ensure our employees thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact on complex projects across the UK.
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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 may have insights into our hiring process.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest BIM and digital modelling tools. Demonstrating your proficiency in these technologies during interviews can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to innovation.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with NEC4 and JCT contracts in detail. Being able to articulate your understanding of these frameworks will highlight your commercial awareness and make a strong impression on our hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership and mentoring skills by providing examples of how you've successfully guided junior engineers in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to supervise and develop talent within our team.

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
Commercial Awareness (NEC4 and JCT)
QHSE Compliance Knowledge
BIM and Digital Modelling Proficiency
AutoCAD Proficiency
Civils 3D Experience
Revit Proficiency
Project Stakeholder Management
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 worked on. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in foundations, ground stability, and shoring systems.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, outline your experience as a Principal Design Engineer, focusing on your leadership skills and ability to mentor junior engineers. Mention your familiarity with NEC4 and JCT contracts, and how you integrate BIM and digital technologies into your work.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your proficiency in software tools like AutoCAD, Civils 3D, Revit, and Microsoft 365. Make sure to mention any certifications you hold, such as Chartered Engineer status or Temporary Works Coordinator certification.

Emphasise Compliance and Safety: Discuss your knowledge of QHSE standards and industry regulations in your application. This shows that you are not only technically skilled but also committed to maintaining high safety and quality standards in your work.

How to prepare for a job interview at ACS Performance

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience in geotechnical design and temporary works. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented designs for foundations, ground stability, or shoring systems.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Since the role involves supervising junior staff, be ready to share examples of how you've mentored others in previous positions. Discuss your approach to leadership and how you foster collaboration within teams.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Regulations

Understand the NEC4 and JCT frameworks as they are crucial for contract discussions. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in past projects and how they impact your design decisions.

✨Emphasise Innovation and Digital Tools

Talk about your experience with BIM and digital modelling tools. Share how you've integrated these technologies into your design processes to drive innovation and improve project outcomes.

Principal Design Engineer
ACS Performance
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  • Principal Design Engineer

    Oxford
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-03

  • A

    ACS Performance

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