Principal Design Engineer

Principal Design Engineer

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and grow a high-performing design team while managing complex engineering projects.
  • Company: Join CaSE Services, a global engineering consultancy expanding in the UK & Ireland.
  • Benefits: Enjoy professional development, mentoring, and the chance to shape a growing team.
  • Why this job: Take on a leadership role with real influence and collaborate internationally.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and strong experience in structural engineering required.
  • Other info: Hands-on role with significant autonomy and client exposure.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

CaSE Services is expanding across the UK & Ireland, and we’re looking for a Principal Design Engineer to lead and grow our regional design capability. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a high‑impact technical function within an established global engineering consultancy.

If you’re a Chartered Engineer ready to step into a leadership role, or already operating at that level, this is your platform to shape the future of specialist engineering delivery across the region.

About the Role

As Principal Design Engineer, you will:

  • Lead and grow a high‑performing design team (including hiring, mentoring, and capability development)
  • Manage and deliver specialised temporary works and permanent works design from concept through to construction
  • Break down complex scopes, prepare competitive tenders, and manage project hours and resourcing
  • Provide technical leadership on advanced FEM modelling (SpaceGass, Midas Civil, Strand7, Autodesk Robot, Tekla/Tedds)
  • Produce design briefs, reports, calculations and design‑driven construction sequencing
  • Collaborate across UK/IRL and international offices, ensuring clear coordination with drafting and delivery teams
  • Uphold design quality, minimise risk, and ensure robust engineering outcomes

This is a hands‑on role with significant autonomy, client exposure, and international collaboration.

About You

You will thrive in this role if you have:

  • Chartered status with ICE (or equivalent)
  • Eligibility to work in the UK or Ireland
  • Strong experience in complex structural engineering (bridges, methodologies, heavy civils)
  • A solid foundation in steel and concrete design and excellent first‑principles understanding
  • Competence with 3D structural analysis software
  • Excellent communication, reporting and stakeholder skills
  • A proactive, detail‑driven, team‑oriented approach
Why Join CaSE Services?

Be a key technical leader in a growing UK/IRL business. Work closely with global engineering experts across multiple regions. Lead real, challenging engineering projects with meaningful impact. Access ongoing professional development & mentoring from senior specialists. Opportunity to shape the direction and capability of a growing design team.

Ready to Lead the Future of Design? If you want a leadership role with real influence, technical depth, and global collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation.

Principal Design Engineer employer: CaSE Civil and Structural Engineering

At CaSE Services, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Principal Design Engineer, you will not only lead a high-performing design team but also have access to ongoing professional development and mentoring from industry experts, ensuring your growth in a dynamic environment. With the opportunity to work on impactful engineering projects across the UK and Ireland, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our regional design capabilities.
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Contact Detail:

CaSE Civil and Structural Engineering Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Design Engineer role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements in structural engineering. We want to see your skills in action, so make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to digest.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions and scenarios related to design leadership and project management. We can help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence and refine your answers.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals like you to join our team and lead the future of design.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer

Leadership
Team Management
Technical Leadership
FEM Modelling
Structural Engineering
Steel Design
Concrete Design
3D Structural Analysis Software
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
Detail-Oriented Approach
Project Management
Tender Preparation
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Design Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience, technical expertise, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for engineering and how your background makes you a great leader. Remember, we love a personal touch!

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves advanced FEM modelling and structural analysis, be sure to mention your proficiency with software like SpaceGass or Tekla. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at CaSE Civil and Structural Engineering

✨Know Your Technical Stuff

As a Principal Design Engineer, you'll need to showcase your expertise in complex structural engineering. Brush up on your knowledge of steel and concrete design, and be ready to discuss advanced FEM modelling tools like SpaceGass and Midas Civil. Prepare to explain how you've applied these skills in past projects.

✨Show Leadership Skills

This role involves leading a high-performing design team, so be prepared to talk about your experience in mentoring and developing talent. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, and highlight your approach to fostering collaboration and communication.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to break down complex scopes and manage project resources. Think of scenarios where you've tackled challenging engineering problems, and be ready to walk the interviewer through your thought process and the solutions you implemented.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Research CaSE Services and their approach to engineering consultancy. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent projects. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.

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