At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative civil/structural engineering solutions for major projects.
- Company: Leading engineering and construction organisation with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Up to £45 per hour, flexible hybrid/remote working, long-term freelance opportunity.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to multidisciplinary projects.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on impactful projects across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Strong civil/structural design experience and relevant engineering degree.
Location: Watford - Hybrid & Remote Working
Rate: Up to £45 per hour Umbrella
Contract: Freelance | Long-Term Opportunity
I'm working with a major engineering and construction organisation that is looking to bring an experienced Senior Civil / Structural Design Engineer into its internal design consultancy on a freelance basis. The design team supports major projects across a range of sectors, including water, heavy industrial, power and wider design-and-build infrastructure. You'll work closely with construction teams, clients, contractors and the wider supply chain to deliver practical, technically robust engineering solutions. This is a long-term freelance opportunity offering significant flexibility around location and remote working. The role will be based from Watford, although significant flexibility is available around remote working. Some initial time in the office will be required for induction and to get up to speed with the team and projects, before moving towards predominantly remote working.
The Role
- Delivering civil and/or structural design work across a varied portfolio of multidisciplinary projects within the water, power, heavy industrial and design-and-build sectors.
- Producing outline and detailed civil/structural designs.
- Preparing engineering calculations, drawings, reports and technical deliverables.
- Taking initial concepts or outline requirements and developing them into detailed engineering solutions.
- Working closely with multidisciplinary design and construction teams.
- Coordinating civil and structural requirements with other engineering disciplines.
- Providing technical input and design solutions throughout the project lifecycle.
- Reviewing designs and ensuring they meet relevant standards and project requirements.
- Supporting the delivery of design packages to agreed programmes.
- Taking ownership of allocated design work and deliverables.
- Attending occasional site visits where required.
The team works across a range of disciplines, including civil, structural, drainage and geotechnical engineering, providing the opportunity to work on varied and technically challenging projects.
About You
We're looking for an experienced engineer who is comfortable taking ownership of design packages and working with a good degree of autonomy. You'll ideally have:
- Strong experience in civil and/or structural design.
- Experience producing engineering calculations and detailed design deliverables.
- Experience taking an outline brief through to a developed and detailed design.
- Good working knowledge of relevant Eurocodes and UK industry standards.
- Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering or construction projects.
- Strong understanding of practical design and constructability.
- The ability to work independently and manage your own workload.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with contractors, clients and other disciplines.
- A relevant Civil/Structural Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
- Chartered status would be advantageous, but the key requirement is strong hands-on design experience and the ability to deliver technically robust solutions.
What's On Offer?
- Up to £45 per hour Umbrella.
- Long-term freelance opportunity.
- Flexible hybrid/remote working.
- Initial office-based induction in Watford.
- Predominantly remote working once established.
- Potential for the role to become almost entirely remote.
- Exposure to projects across water, power, heavy industrial and design-and-build sectors.
- Varied civil and structural engineering projects.
- Work across multiple engineering disciplines.
- Opportunity to work with an established in-house engineering team.
- Occasional site visits where required.
If you're an experienced Senior Civil or Structural Engineer looking for a long-term freelance opportunity working across major water, power and heavy industrial projects, I'd be keen to speak with you.
Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Senior Civil/Structural Design Engineer in Watford employer: Aldwych Consulting
Join a well-established and reputable structural engineering firm in the heart of London, where you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to delivering innovative building design solutions. With a strong focus on employee development, excellent staff retention, and a diverse work culture, this role offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of W1. The firm values your expertise and provides avenues for professional growth, making it an ideal place for engineers who thrive on problem-solving and creative challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Civil/Structural Design Engineer in Watford
✨Join Engineering Forums
We're talking about places like GitHub or Stack Overflow where engineers hang out. Contribute to discussions, showcase your skills, and you might just catch the eye of someone looking for freelance talent. Plus, getting involved in these communities can lead to potential gigs and collaborations!
✨Create a Public Portfolio
As a freelancer, a strong portfolio is your best mate. Make sure it highlights your engineering projects, especially those that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Host it on a platform like GitHub Pages or your own website—this way, potential clients from Aldwych Consulting can see your expertise right away.
✨Attend Industry Meetups
Look for local engineering meetups or workshops where you can connect with other professionals and potential clients. It’s all about getting your name out there! These casual settings can lead to freelance opportunities that aren’t always advertised online.
✨Utilise Freelance Platforms Wisely
Don’t just jump on any site—focus on platforms known for engineering gigs, like Upwork or Toptal. Tailor your profile to highlight your freelance skills and ensure you're showcasing your best work, so when opportunities at Aldwych Consulting arise, you’re ready to pounce!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Civil/Structural Design Engineer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:As an engineer, having a solid portfolio is key. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects you've worked on, highlighting the problem-solving skills and technical expertise you brought to the table. Keep it relevant to the role you’re targeting at Aldwych Consulting.
List Your Tools and Techniques:Freelance engineering often involves a variety of tools and techniques, so don’t shy away from showcasing them. In your CV, explicitly mention the software and hardware you're familiar with and any relevant certifications. This gives us a clear idea of your technical proficiency when considering your application for Senior Civil/Structural Design Engineer.
Be Clear on Your Availability:When applying for a freelance gig, it's essential to make your availability clear in your application. Let us know how many hours you can commit each week and if you have any preferred working times, as this helps us see if you fit with our project timelines at Aldwych Consulting.
Tailor Your Application to Each Project:Freelancing means you'll be applying to multiple opportunities, so it's important to tailor each application. Refer back to the specific requirements outlined in the job listing for Senior Civil/Structural Design Engineer at Aldwych Consulting and make sure to align your experience with what they’re looking for. Personalised applications stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aldwych Consulting
✨Showcase Your Technical Proficiency
As a freelance engineer, you’ll often be asked to demonstrate your technical skills upfront. Be ready to showcase specific projects or problems you've solved in the past. Prepare a portfolio of your work that highlights your achievements and the tools you've used, such as CAD software or simulations.
✨Be Prepared for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect the interviewers to throw some technical challenges your way. They may ask how you'd approach a particular engineering scenario. Brush up on common engineering principles and methodologies. Think through how you’d communicate your thought process clearly and concisely.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Communication Skills
Freelance roles often require us to work with different teams and clients. Emphasise how you handle varying demands and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Share examples of projects where you had to adapt quickly to client feedback or changes in project scope.
✨Discuss Your Rate and Availability Honestly
Freelancing involves not just skills but also the business side of things. Be upfront about your rates and availability. Be prepared to explain how you value your services based on previous experience and the quality you bring, as this can sometimes be a deal-breaker for potential clients like Aldwych Consulting.