At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex power infrastructure projects and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Company: Established engineering consultancy with a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of the UK's power landscape.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy projects while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered civil or structural engineer with project delivery experience.
This role can be based out of any of my clients offices below. Hybrid working 2 days per week in the office. Manchester, Derby, London, Warwick, Motherwell, York.
About the Civil & Structural Power Team
Our Civil & Structural Power team is a dedicated, technically focused group that sits within the wider Civil & Structural discipline, working in close collaboration with our Power sector specialists. The team plays a critical role in the delivery of power and energy infrastructure projects, providing the core civil and structural engineering expertise that underpins successful project outcomes. Unlike broader project or programme teams, the C&S Power team brings a strong technical and analytical capability, leading on civil and structural design, coordination and assurance across complex power-sector schemes. This includes supporting the design and delivery of assets such as substations, converter stations and wider site infrastructure, while working closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure solutions are robust, buildable and aligned to project objectives. The team is established and growing, with a mix of engineers at different career stages, from graduates through to senior and principal levels. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are central to how the team operates, offering a supportive environment where engineers can develop technically, take on meaningful responsibility, and contribute to projects that sit at the heart of the UK’s evolving power and energy landscape.
The Role
As our Civil & Structural Power team continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to play an important role in the delivery of complex power and energy infrastructure projects. This is a senior technical and project management position, offering the opportunity to shape major projects, influence technical direction, and mentor the next generation of engineers, while remaining engaged in design and delivery. You will take responsibility for steering large, technically interesting schemes - or managing several smaller projects simultaneously - working closely with multidisciplinary teams across the wider business. You will be trusted to lead from the front, combining technical excellence with robust project and people management.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Steering the delivery of single and multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring outcomes are achieved on time, within budget and to the required quality.
- Directing and reviewing civil and structural infrastructure design across a range of project sizes and complexities.
- Managing project teams, ensuring the right skills and resources are in place to meet programme demands.
- Encouraging and mentoring graduate engineers and technicians, fostering technical development and best practice.
- Ensuring compliance with internal quality, safety and management systems.
- Contributing to the continued growth and capability of the Civil & Structural Power discipline.
About You
You will be an established civil or structural engineer with proven experience delivering infrastructure projects, ideally within the power or energy sector. Although experience in power/ energy projects is highly valued, we are open to candidates from other infrastructure backgrounds who are eager to transition into the power sector. You will bring assurance in both technical resolve and team management.
You will have:
- An HNC/HND or degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
- Chartered status, or in process (CEng MICE or MIStructE).
- Professional membership with a recognised body (ICE, IStructE, APM, CIHT, IHE or similar).
- Demonstrable experience directing project delivery and engineering teams.
- Technical capability in infrastructure design and coordination.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A full UK driving licence.
Why Join?
- Impactful work – be involved across the full project lifecycle, from concept and design through to construction and delivery.
- Management opportunity – grow your management and mentoring experience with support from discipline headship.
- Technical challenge – work on a diverse portfolio of live and upcoming power-sector projects.
- Established, supportive team – join a highly experienced, collaborative group where your contribution is valued and visible.
This role offers the chance to make a real impact, influence technical outcomes, and see your designs translated into built assets - while continuing to grow your career within a respected and forward-looking engineering consultancy.
About the company
We’ve been innovating in design, engineering and project delivery since 1957 and operate from 14 locations for a truly European reach.
Benefits
Whatever your discipline, you’ll be alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. Our network of offices are appealing, friendly and comfortable spaces, easily accessible by car or public transport. And our salary and benefits packages are some of the best in the industry. What you get will depend on what you do, with individual performance-related rewards also on offer in addition to:
- Company car or cash allowance.
- Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan.
- Life assurance scheme.
- 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave.
- Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc).
- Flexible/hybrid working.
- Family friendly policies.
- Employee assistance.
- Professional development.
Principal Project Engineer - Civil & Structural - Power in Derby employer: Adepto Technical Recruitment Ltd
Join a forward-thinking engineering consultancy that has been at the forefront of design and project delivery since 1957. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional development, our Civil & Structural Power team offers a supportive environment where you can take on meaningful responsibilities and influence major power infrastructure projects. Enjoy competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to mentor the next generation of engineers while making a tangible impact in the evolving energy landscape.
Contact Details:
Adepto Technical Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Project Engineer - Civil & Structural - Power in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Project Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in delivering complex projects. Share specific examples of how you've steered projects to success, especially in the power sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about asking questions during interviews. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in the role. Ask about the team dynamics, project challenges, and how they support professional development – it’ll help you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining our Civil & Structural Power team. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Engineer - Civil & Structural - Power in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Project Engineer. Highlight your experience in civil and structural engineering, especially within the power sector, and showcase any relevant projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the power sector and how your skills align with our team's needs. Don't forget to mention your mentoring experience and project management skills!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical capabilities in infrastructure design and coordination. Mention any specific software or methodologies you’re familiar with that are relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best possible experience while applying!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adepto Technical Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on, especially those related to power and energy infrastructure. Be ready to discuss your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to successful outcomes. This will show your technical expertise and project management skills.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills
As a Principal Project Engineer, you'll be expected to lead teams and mentor junior engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, highlighting your approach to fostering collaboration and ensuring project delivery. This will demonstrate your capability to guide and inspire others.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company’s values and culture, particularly their focus on collaboration and knowledge-sharing. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've contributed to a supportive team environment in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's current projects, future challenges, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
