Principal Design Engineer

Principal Design Engineer

Coventry 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 impactful projects while mentoring the next generation of engineers in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; Chartered Engineer status preferred.
  • Other info: Experience with NEC4 and JCT contracts is a plus; strong leadership skills are essential.

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.

ACS are recruiting for a Principal Design Engineer. If you feel that you have the skills and experience required in this advertisement to be a (Job Title) 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 Engineerrole you desire.

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Principal Design Engineer employer: ACS Performance

At ACS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Principal Design Engineer, you will not only lead cutting-edge projects in a dynamic environment but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and mentorship from industry leaders. Our commitment to employee well-being and a supportive atmosphere makes us a standout choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in engineering.
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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 might provide insights or referrals for the Principal Design Engineer role.

✨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 interviews 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 is crucial for the role, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated contract discussions in past projects.

✨Tip Number 4

Highlight your leadership and mentoring experiences. As a Principal Design Engineer, you'll be supervising junior staff, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led teams and fostered their development in previous roles.

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 Skills
Project Stakeholder Management
Construction Methods Knowledge
Health and Safety Legislation Understanding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in geotechnical design, temporary works, and leadership roles. 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 relevant experience as a Principal Design Engineer. Emphasise your ability to lead projects, mentor junior staff, and your familiarity with NEC4 and JCT contracts. This personal touch can significantly enhance your application.

Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly list your proficiency in essential software such as AutoCAD, Civils 3D, Revit, and BIM tools. Mention any certifications like Chartered Engineer or Temporary Works Coordinator to strengthen your application.

Highlight Compliance and Safety Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of QHSE standards and industry regulations in your application. Providing examples of how you've ensured compliance in past projects can set you apart from other candidates.

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 engineers, share examples of how you've mentored others in the past. Discuss your approach to leadership and how you foster collaboration within teams.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Regulations

Understand the NEC4 and JCT frameworks as well as QHSE standards. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work and how this impacts project delivery.

✨Emphasise Innovation and Digital Tools

Talk about your experience with BIM and digital modelling tools. Provide examples of how you've integrated these technologies into your design processes to drive innovation and improve efficiency.

Principal Design Engineer
ACS Performance
A
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