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- Tasks: Lead major structural projects and guide design teams to deliver innovative solutions.
- Company: Join BakerHicks, a pioneering engineering firm with a rich history since 1957.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence and nuclear sectors while shaping future engineers.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with strong leadership and technical skills in structural design.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lead High‑Impact Structural Delivery Across Major Mission Critical 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
- The ability to work in sectors like nuclear and defence so you are able to get the correct Security Clearance to do so.
- 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 (e.g., nuclear, seismic, defence, life sciences, public sector, rail, highways, ground improvement)
- 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.
BakerHicks has been delivering excellence in engineering, design, and project delivery since 1957. With 14 offices across the UK and Europe, we offer you the chance to work on meaningful projects that enhance communities and contribute to sustainable growth. 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.
Benefits
- 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
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.
Principal Structural Engineer - defence and nuclear employer: BakerHicks
Contact Detail:
BakerHicks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Structural Engineer - defence and nuclear
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. We want you to showcase your technical expertise and leadership skills, so practice articulating your experience in structural engineering and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which can set you apart from other candidates. We believe that a little courtesy goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at BakerHicks, which we love to see!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Structural Engineer - defence and nuclear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Structural Engineer, we want to see how you lead teams and manage projects. Share specific examples of your past experiences where you've guided others and delivered complex solutions. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your experience in sectors like nuclear and defence. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so showcase any relevant projects or roles that align with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BakerHicks
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Structural Engineer, you'll need to showcase your deep understanding of structural codes and design standards. Brush up on the latest UK regulations and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading teams and managing projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams through complex challenges, ensuring high-quality deliverables while maintaining team morale and productivity.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would approach delivering innovative and sustainable design solutions under tight deadlines or budget constraints, especially in sectors like nuclear and defence.
✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions
Since this role requires security clearance, be prepared to discuss your eligibility and any relevant experience. Familiarise yourself with the security vetting process and be honest about your background to build trust with the interviewers.