At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative structural engineering projects that enhance building safety and sustainability.
- Company: Join BRE, a pioneering hub for innovation in the built environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work on-site in Watford with a dynamic team focused on sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of construction and engineering excellence.
- Qualifications: Chartered Structural Engineer with strong leadership and technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you ready to shape the future of the built environment? At BRE, we don’t just respond to industry change, we lead it. We’re looking for an exceptional Lead Structural Engineer to play a pivotal role in delivering innovative, evidence-based solutions that improve the safety, sustainability, and performance of buildings. This is a rare opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with strategic influence, working at the forefront of research, standards, and real-world application. If you’re passionate about engineering excellence and want your work to make a genuine impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Help BRE make buildings safer and more sustainable! BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century, we have provided government and industry with cutting-edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science-led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.
The Lead Structural Engineer provides technical leadership for structural engineering activities within BRE’s Structural team, delivering high-quality engineering, testing, and assurance services that support business growth and industry impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a complex structural engineering function, delivering a complete technical service against agreed objectives and growth targets.
- Oversee the delivery of structural engineering projects, ensuring technical quality, compliance with relevant BS and EN standards, and alignment with client requirements.
- Develop and interpret test regimes based on structural design principles, including static and dynamic behaviour.
- Manage laboratory-based activities to ensure safe, consistent, and reliable testing outcomes.
- Coordinate engineers, technicians, and laboratory staff to achieve cohesive and efficient project delivery.
- Provide technical input to business development activities, including client engagement, proposal development, and representation at industry events.
- Act as a technical authority on complex client enquiries, producing high-quality technical proposals and reports.
- Support inspection, assessment, and reporting activities relating to UK construction methods, materials, and structural fire performance.
- Contribute to the strategic development and profile of the Structural Technology team and associated laboratories.
What We Are Looking For
- Chartered Structural Engineering expertise with strong technical authority in structural engineering and testing.
- Proven capability in leading and managing complex structural engineering activities and technical services.
- Strong working knowledge of BS and EN codes and standards, and their application to structural design and test regimes.
- Demonstrated understanding of static and dynamic structural behaviour and engineering mechanics.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, technicians, and laboratory staff.
- Ability to develop and review high-quality technical proposals, reports, and inspection documentation.
- Experience contributing technical input to business development, client engagement, and external representation.
- Knowledge of UK construction methods, materials, and historic and modern construction forms.
- Experience with structural fire design and assessment in accordance with relevant standards.
- Proficiency in relevant engineering and reporting tools, including AutoCAD and standard Microsoft applications.
- Commercial awareness, with experience contributing to income generation and workload throughput.
- Ability to support the technical reputation and profile of BRE and its Structural Technology capabilities.
BRE Benefits
At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.
Financial & Security Benefits
- Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution.
- Life assurance – 4x your basic salary.
- Enhanced maternity package.
Health & Wellbeing
- HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more.
- Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points.
Career Development
- Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform.
- Professional membership reimbursement.
For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits.
Work Location
On-Site – This role requires full-time presence at our Watford office. You must live within a commutable distance.
Our Recruitment Process
Closing date: 06/02/26. If successful in the first stage, you will be invited to a virtual or in-person second-stage interview.
Equal Opportunities Statement
BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.
Lead Structural Engineer in Watford employer: BRE
Join BRE, a respected leader in the built environment and assurance sector, where you can make a significant impact as a SHE Manager. With a strong focus on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement, you'll thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme, health cashback options, and access to extensive learning resources, all while working in a flexible hybrid environment at our Watford Science Park.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Structural Engineer in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical skills and experience in structural engineering. We want to see you shine and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching BRE and its projects. Knowing their work will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact. We love candidates who are passionate about our mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can help us lead the charge in the built environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Structural Engineer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Structural Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing complex engineering projects and your knowledge of BS and EN standards. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about engineering excellence and how you can contribute to BRE's mission. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical authority in structural engineering. Mention any relevant tools you’re proficient in, like AutoCAD or FEA modelling, and provide examples of how you've applied your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRE
✨Know Your Codes
Make sure you brush up on the relevant BS and EN codes and standards. Being able to discuss how these apply to structural design and testing will show your technical authority and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led complex engineering projects in the past. Highlight your experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and how you ensured cohesive project delivery. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about static and dynamic structural behaviour. Be prepared to explain your approach to developing test regimes and how you ensure compliance with safety standards. This is your chance to showcase your deep technical expertise.
✨Engage with Business Development
Think about how you've contributed to business development in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your experience with client engagement and proposal development, as this will be crucial for the role at BRE.
