At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design solutions for rail and infrastructure projects in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join AmcoGiffen, a leading engineering contractor with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, health benefits, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your individuality.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Temporary Works design and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Temporary Works and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Cumbernauld, Scotland
Contract: Full-time
About AmcoGiffen
AmcoGiffen delivers essential engineering services across the UK, supporting major civils, rail and infrastructure programmes. Our in‑house design team brings together specialists at all levels, and we are expanding our Temporary Works capability in Scotland. This is a key opportunity to help shape a growing team and influence the future direction of our design function in the region.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Company car or car allowance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Up to 3 volunteering days
- Company contributory pension scheme
- Life insurance
- Medicash Health Cash Plan & Rewards
- Private Medical Insurance
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- A safe, inclusive and supportive working environment
- Employee forums for open feedback and discussion
The Opportunity
As Principal Design Engineer for Temporary Works, you will lead the development of technical solutions across a diverse portfolio of rail and non‑rail infrastructure projects. You will play a central role in strengthening and developing the Temporary Works design presence in Scotland, ensuring safe, innovative and high‑quality engineering outcomes for our clients. This senior leadership role combines technical authority with team development, project oversight and client engagement, contributing directly to the success and growth of the Cumbernauld design office.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide authoritative technical leadership on Temporary Works engineering solutions.
- Lead compliance with CDM Regulations and ensure robust design governance.
- Define project briefs and drive the development of clear, innovative engineering solutions from feasibility through to detailed design.
- Establish and maintain design philosophies and ensure appropriate documentation is in place.
- Act as CRE (Design) on Network Rail schemes across a varied project portfolio, including multi‑disciplinary works.
- Check and approve design deliverables, including Designer’s Risk Assessments and Decision Logs.
- Represent the design team at internal and external meetings with clients and stakeholders.
- Ensure delivery against financial, quality and programme targets.
- Provide strong leadership, including performance reviews, coaching and development of team members.
- Support succession planning and contribute to the long‑term growth of the design function.
- Maintain proactive communication with clients regarding cost, scope changes and emerging issues.
- Assist the Head of Design with departmental management and continuous improvement.
- Champion a culture of excellence across AmcoGiffen Design & Engineering.
About You
You will bring significant experience as a Principal Design Engineer specialising in Temporary Works, ideally within a rail environment. You will be confident leading teams, shaping technical direction and engaging with clients at a senior level.
Essential Requirements
- IEng/CEng qualification (or equivalent).
- Chartered membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., ICE, IStructE).
- Sentinel PTS competence (AC and DC).
- Strong civil engineering design experience (bridges, structures, stations, platforms etc.).
- Extensive experience delivering Temporary Works designs for rail and civils projects.
- Background in client, contractor or consultancy environments will be considered.
- Full UK Driving License.
Apply Now
If you’re an experienced Temporary Works Principal Design Engineer looking to take the next step in your career, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your application to join our growing team in Scotland.
Diversity & Inclusion at AmcoGiffen
We value collective expertise, but also the spark that one person can bring. As one of us, you can be you, because your individuality is an asset to our business and the communities in which we work and represent. We are working hard as part of the civil engineering and construction industry, to improve diversity & inclusion.
Health & Wellbeing
Operating from a people first perspective we support safety and wellbeing in the workplace as a priority. We have a large number of colleagues that are trained and qualified mental health first aiders to support and listen where appropriate.
Is AmcoGiffen your next career challenge? If so, apply now!
Principal Design Engineer (Temporary Works) in Glasgow employer: AMCO
AMCO is an excellent employer that prioritises quality and operational excellence in the vibrant Scotland region. With a strong commitment to diversity, we foster a collaborative work culture that encourages employee growth through training and development opportunities. Join us to be part of a team that values smarter working practices and instils a robust quality culture, making a meaningful impact in civil infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer (Temporary Works) in Glasgow
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like AMCO.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like AMCO appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer (Temporary Works) in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting AMCO know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what AMCO is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMCO
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
