Principal Structural Engineer in England

Flexible across North Wales and the North West

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Are you a technically strong, hands-on structural engineer ready to take ownership of complex projects and help develop the engineers around you?

Caulmert is looking to appoint a Principal Structural Engineer who will remain closely involved in design while leading projects, reviewing technical output and supporting clients and colleagues.

The immediate emphasis is on rail, bridges and transportation structures, water and wastewater infrastructure, and industrial projects, with wider opportunities across UK infrastructure and development schemes.

Who will I be working with?

Caulmert is a progressive multidisciplinary engineering, environmental and planning consultancy. You will work with Directors, engineers and technicians, alongside clients, contractors and specialists across rail, transportation, water, industrial, infrastructure and development projects. This is a visible technical appointment with scope to influence delivery, standards and team capability.

What will the role entail?

Technical delivery and design leadership

• Lead feasibility studies, structural appraisals and optioneering, establishing the basis of design, constraints, surveys, risks and practical structural strategies.
• Undertake and direct analysis and design in steelwork, reinforced and precast concrete, masonry and timber, including foundations and associated civil structures.
• Prepare, review and approve calculations, reports, specifications, drawings, BIM outputs and construction information.
• Remain hands-on with complex or higher-risk elements, applying sound judgement, proportionate checking and relevant UK standards.
• Support surveys, construction queries, contractor proposals, fabrication information and modifications to existing assets.

Project, client and commercial management

• Lead structural and multidisciplinary commissions from inception through construction, managing scope, fee, programme, resources, risk and change.
• Prepare fee proposals and technical bid content, and communicate confidently at client, design-team and contractor meetings.
• Build trusted client relationships, support repeat business and maintain clear project reporting and timely invoicing.

Team contribution and development

• Direct, coordinate and delegate work to engineers and technicians, providing constructive technical review and helping colleagues take greater ownership.
• Mentor colleagues towards professional registration and contribute to technical training, standards, templates, QA and lessons learned.
• Work collaboratively across Engineering, Environmental and Planning disciplines to deliver coordinated solutions.

What experience would be particularly valuable?

Candidates do not need every specialism. Particularly valuable experience includes:

• Rail, bridges and transportation structures, including technical approval, independent checking and existing-asset assessment or modification.
• Water and wastewater infrastructure, including liquid-retaining or buried structures, pumping stations, chambers, treatment buildings and pipe bridges.
• Industrial, energy or waste facilities, including equipment supports, access structures, crane-loaded frames, foundations and operational-site modifications.
• Multidisciplinary and contractor-led delivery from optioneering through construction support.

What are we looking for?

Above all, we are looking for a credible Principal-level engineer who combines advanced technical capability with practical project ownership, commercial awareness and a willingness to remain hands-on.

• Degree or equivalent qualification in civil or structural engineering.
• Typically 8 to 10 years or more of relevant consultancy experience, with capability and responsibility more important than years alone.
• Chartered through IStructE or ICE, or near-chartered with a clear and credible route to completion and demonstrable Principal-level experience.
• Strong project ownership from early definition through detailed design and construction support.
• Advanced structural analysis, design and buildability capability, supported by confident use of relevant design software.
• Experience directing, reviewing and coordinating the work of engineers and technicians.
• Commercial and client-facing experience covering fees, programmes, resources, change and risk.
• Clear communication, sound judgement and strong knowledge of UK standards, CDM and consultancy QA requirements.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as projects require.

What do we offer?

You will join a friendly, professional and ambitious business where your contribution, ideas and results are recognised.

• Varied multidisciplinary work across relevant infrastructure, development and environmental sectors.
• Flexible working arrangements, balanced with the needs of clients, projects, offices, fieldwork and team development.
• Competitive remuneration, 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service.
• Private medical care, company pension and investment in professional and technical development.
• The opportunity to join an employee-owned business and, where appropriate, potentially purchase Company shares.
• A clear pathway towards Associate-level responsibility for strong technical leaders who contribute positively to clients, colleagues and business growth.

If you enjoy taking ownership, developing practical structural solutions and helping others succeed, we would like to hear from you.

Caulmert is an equal opportunities employer and aims to provide a workplace where people are treated with dignity and respect, and where trust and empowerment are encouraged.

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