Principal Structural Engineer

Principal Structural Engineer

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
B

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex structural projects and mentor a talented team.
  • Company: Join BakerHicks, a leader in engineering and design since 1957.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and excellent career progression.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment focused on innovation and professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse, high-profile projects across multiple sectors.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with strong leadership and technical skills.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Lead High‑Impact Structural Delivery Across Major Projects

We’re looking for a Principal Structural Engineer to take a key leadership role across major structural projects and multiple design teams. If you thrive on technical authority, guiding others, and delivering complex structural solutions with confidence - this role gives you influence, autonomy and meaningful challenge.

You’ll report to an Associate Director/Associate Engineer and play a central role in shaping structural output across diverse, technically demanding projects.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading structural design delivery across large projects or several smaller coordinated workstreams
  • Managing and developing structural project teams, ensuring they have the right support, skills and resourcing
  • Overseeing high‑quality structural deliverables: calculations, drawings, reports, specifications and digital models
  • Acting as a technical authority - reviewing designs, providing direction, and ensuring technical excellence
  • Developing programmes, managing budgets and maintaining rigorous change control
  • Supporting tenders, fee proposals and technical scopes
  • Reporting performance and strategic insights to senior leadership
  • Driving innovation, sustainability and buildable design solutions
  • Promoting Safe Together behaviours and contributing to Perfect Delivery standards
  • Mentoring engineers and helping teams grow in capability and confidence

What You’ll Bring

  • Chartered Engineer (CEng MIStructE or CEng MICE)
  • Strong capability leading structural design teams and overseeing multi‑package delivery
  • Excellent understanding of UK structural codes, design standards and assurance processes
  • Broad technical expertise, which may include:
  • Steel, concrete, masonry and timber building structures
  • Foundations and substructures
  • Structural analysis and assessment
  • Site investigations
  • Specialist sector experience in Aviation, Defence, Custodial or Power is a plus!
  • High proficiency in structural analysis tools with the ability to review and validate complex models
  • Strong commercial awareness, budgeting and change management experience
  • Proven delivery within integrated multidisciplinary environments
  • Understanding of CDM responsibilities and structural safety
  • CSCS card, eligibility for SC clearance, and full UK driving licence

Your Next Step

If you\'re looking for a role where your structural expertise has weight, your leadership shapes delivery, and your influence reaches across multiple project teams - this is a strong match.

Apply today and let’s talk.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to security clearance. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by various factors. The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain security clearance for this role as required by our clients and sectors.

Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

About BakerHicks

We’ve been innovating in design, engineering and project delivery since 1957 and operate from 14 locations for a truly European reach. For more about our company story, see: About | BakerHicks.

BakerHicks. A Morgan Sindall Group company.

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
  • 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave
  • Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc)
  • Family friendly policies
  • Employee assistance

BakerHicks is an equal opportunity employer. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout.

BakerHicks is an inclusive organisation welcoming talent from all backgrounds. Applicants are assessed on the basis of personal merit and qualifications.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Principal Structural Engineer employer: BakerHicks

As a leading engineering firm in Manchester, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our Mechanical Engineers to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to expand their skills through hands-on experience in cutting-edge pharmaceutical and manufacturing projects, ensuring meaningful career progression. Our supportive environment not only values teamwork but also offers unique opportunities to engage with industry standards, making us an excellent employer for those seeking rewarding and impactful work.

B

Contact Details:

BakerHicks Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Structural Engineer

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Structural Engineer role.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical expertise and leadership experience. We want to see how you’ve delivered complex projects in the past, so come prepared with examples that showcase your abilities!

Be Ready for Technical Questions

Brush up on your knowledge of British Standards, Eurocodes, and structural software like TEDDS and Tekla. We know interviews can be nerve-wracking, but being well-prepared will help you shine and show that you’re the right fit for the job.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining BakerHicks and contributing to our innovative projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Structural Engineer

Chartered Engineer (ICE or IStructE)
Structural Design
Specification Skills
Project Management
Technical Reviews
Compliance with British Standards
Eurocodes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Principal Structural Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in structural design to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about delivering complex projects and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team at BakerHicks.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with structural software like TEDDS, Tekla, and MasterSeries. We want to see how your technical skills can contribute to our innovative projects!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at BakerHicks

Know Your Technical Stuff

As a Principal Structural Engineer, you'll need to showcase your strong technical expertise. Brush up on your knowledge of structural design and specifications across various materials like steel, concrete, timber, and masonry. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills.

Demonstrate Leadership Experience

Since this role involves mentoring a talented team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how you support the development of others, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software

Make sure you're comfortable discussing structural software such as TEDDS, Tekla, and MasterSeries. If you have experience using these tools, bring it up during the interview to show that you're technically savvy and ready to hit the ground running.

Engage in Business Development Conversations

BakerHicks values client development and strategic growth, so think about how you've contributed to bids, tenders, or client proposals in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to networking and building relationships within the industry, as this will demonstrate your commercial mindset.