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- Tasks: Lead structural design for diverse infrastructure projects and mentor upcoming engineers.
- Company: Respected civil engineering consultancy in the South West.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community infrastructure while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and significant experience in structural design required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Structures Engineer to play a leading role in the delivery of a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects within a respected South West civil engineering consultancy. This senior position offers an opportunity to provide technical leadership, strategic input, designs and mentoring across a wide range of structural and multidisciplinary civil engineering schemes.
Our work includes:
- Assessment, refurbishment, and replacement of highway and railway bridge structures, including multi‑span assets supporting key multi‑user trails
- Structural design and technical assurance for major assets, including Newquay Airport
- Delivery of critical infrastructure for private development
- Development of complex schemes such as a proposed moving bridge in the Port of Truro
- Specialist inspections, including PTSI of post‑tensioned bridges
- Structural maintenance works including deck waterproofing, joint and bearing replacement, and strengthening schemes
- Maintenance and renewal of bridges on the Public Rights of Way network
- Inspection, design, and construction of coastal and marine structures within working harbours
You will act as a technical lead, supporting the safe, sustainable, and commercially successful delivery of infrastructure that serves communities across Cornwall and the wider region.
Key Responsibilities
As a Principal Structures Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and oversight across multiple projects, while managing your own workload and contributing to the wider strategic objectives of the business. You will work closely with project managers, discipline leads, external partners, and clients, helping to shape solutions and drive high standards of design, safety, and delivery.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and oversee the structural design of highways and infrastructure projects from feasibility through to detailed design and construction support
- Act as a technical lead, providing design assurance and independent checking in accordance with relevant standards and codes of practice
- Undertake advanced structural analysis and design using LUSAS and related software
- Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring technical quality, consistency, and efficiency
- Mentor, support, and develop engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence and professional growth
- Prepare and approve technical reports, specifications, and design documentation
- Contribute to bid preparation, fee proposals, and delivery strategies for new work
- Manage project budgets, resource allocation, forecasts, and cost‑to‑complete reporting
- Provide expert advice and act as a key technical interface with clients, contractors, local authorities, and other stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and promote best practice in health, safety, and environmental performance
- Drive innovation, value engineering, and the adoption of low‑carbon and sustainable design solutions
- Support continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and procedures across the team
About You
You will be a confident, self‑motivated engineer with strong technical credibility and the ability to lead both people and projects. You will be comfortable taking ownership of complex engineering challenges, influencing decisions, and representing the business externally.
- Masters Degree, Degree or HND in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Chartered Engineer (C.Eng) status, or Incorporated Engineer (I.Eng) with demonstrable senior‑level experience, with a commitment to professional development, support will be available to achieve Chartered status.
- A member of the Institution of Civil Engineers or Institution of Structural Engineers
- Significant experience in structural design, ideally focused on highway, bridge, and infrastructure structures
- In‑depth knowledge of relevant standards and legislation, including DMRB, Eurocodes, and CDM Regulations
- High level of proficiency in structural analysis and design software such as LUSAS and Tedds
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and technical review skills
- Proven ability to manage workload, programme, and budgets across multiple projects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience dealing directly with clients and stakeholders
- A strong commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and high‑quality engineering solutions
Our Offer
- Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Base: Hybrid working – home based with attendance at Cornwall and/or Exeter offices
- Closing Date: Applications are to be received in an ongoing campaign. Interviews will be arranged periodically through the campaign.
Working with us you will have an employee benefits package that includes:
Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our service users, clients and customers.
To apply
It’s really easy to apply for our roles – simply follow the link to create a candidate profile, answer the screening questions and upload a CV.
Contact us
If you’d like to have a discussion about the role, please feel free to contact our in‑house resourcing team for an informal chat about the role. Thank you for your interest in supporting our important work at Cormac.
Principal Structures Engineer in Truro employer: CORMAC
Contact Detail:
CORMAC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Structures Engineer in Truro
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering field, especially those who might know about opportunities at our consultancy. A friendly chat can often lead to job leads that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project experience. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled complex engineering challenges and led teams in past projects. We love hearing about real-life examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you’re in an interview, highlight your mentoring experiences and how you’ve contributed to team success. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and drive high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy to create a candidate profile and upload your CV. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and supporting our important work.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Structures Engineer in Truro
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Structures Engineer role. Highlight your structural design experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving highways and bridges.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for civil engineering and how your leadership skills can contribute to our projects. Don't forget to mention your commitment to sustainable design!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires advanced structural analysis and design, be sure to mention your proficiency with software like LUSAS. Include any certifications or training that demonstrate your technical expertise and commitment to professional development.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy! Just create a candidate profile, answer a few screening questions, and upload your CV. This way, we can keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at CORMAC
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Structures Engineer, you'll need to showcase your expertise in structural design and analysis. Brush up on relevant standards like DMRB and Eurocodes, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects. This will demonstrate your technical credibility and ability to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and mentoring abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or mentored junior engineers in previous positions. Highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring technical quality across projects.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about complex engineering challenges you've faced and how you approached them. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's projects, culture, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to connect with the interviewers on a personal level.