Principal Civil & Structural Engineer in Basingstoke

This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group. As part of the Vulcain family, Crouch Waterfall brings decades of specialist experience in Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineering to a wide range of UK infrastructure projects. Crouch Waterfall specialise in core areas of Bridges, Rail, Infrastructure, Buildings and Geotechnical Services, designing and co-ordinating projects from conception to completion. Established since 1981, the business has enjoyed steady growth driven by a committed and highly skilled workforce of 120 employees.

Due to ongoing business growth, we have a new opportunity for a Principal Engineer to deliver innovative structural solutions for a diverse range of building projects across the UK. Our portfolio spans commercial developments, residential schemes, education facilities, healthcare buildings, and complex industrial structures. We are also open to appointing an experienced Senior Engineer who is motivated and capable of progressing towards a Principal Engineer role.

We work closely with leading architects, developers, and public sector clients to create safe, sustainable, and efficient designs that stand the test of time. From high-rise hotels and bespoke housing to cutting-edge schools and hospitals, our projects combine technical excellence with creative thinking.

As a Principal Engineer, you’ll play a key role in shaping these projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and mentoring junior engineers. If you’re passionate about structural engineering and want to work on challenging, high-profile projects for respected clients, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead and monitor the technical delivery, personnel and resources across a portfolio of projects, delivering large-scale civil and structural solutions for a diverse range of building types, ensuring delivery to programme and budget.
• Develop and inspire our Senior Engineers, Engineers & Technicians by mentoring, coaching & training, as well as owning the maintenance of their development action plan and training documentation.
• Oversee the quality of specialist designs by reviewing and verifying work prepared by others and taking a hands-on role in the delivery of more complex or challenging designs.
• Carry out inspections including site surveys & assessments of structures and preparing reports.
• Contribute to business growth by meeting new clients to promote our services and strengthening existing relationships to maximise opportunities.
• Liaison with internal and external clients & stakeholders, and act as primary representative to our clients to verify project scope and ensure deliverables are met.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure awareness of, and compliance with, current technical standards, best practice, and quality, safety, environmental and sustainability procedures.

Preferred Profile

• Degree level qualification (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a similar field.
• Proven experience in the design of structures, ideally from a design consultancy setting.
• Sector experience in buildings (commercial, education, residential, healthcare) is preferred, but applicants with broader infrastructure or construction backgrounds are welcome.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical scopes, either through technical/project leadership, or mentoring other engineers.
• Working towards or already Chartered (ICE or IStructE).
• Comfortable operating in client-facing environments, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluency in English language and the permanent right to work in the UK, alongside UK project experience.
• Reside locally to Basingstoke or be prepared to relocate, as this permanent role does not include travel expense coverage.

Why Join Us

At Crouch Waterfall, we’re committed to investing in our people through tailored training, mentoring, and real opportunities for progression. Whether you’re aiming for Chartership, developing leadership skills, or looking for broader commercial exposure - we’ll support your growth every step of the way.

You’ll be part of a supportive team with an open-door culture, where your voice is heard and your ideas matter. We offer the chance to work across sectors - with proven success helping engineers move from buildings and commercial projects into infrastructure and heavy industry.

With a strong presence in the rail and construction sectors, and as part of the wider Vulcain Engineering Group, you’ll benefit from international connections, long-term stability, and a truly collaborative culture.

We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience and background. Whether you’re earlier in your career or bring more senior-level expertise, we encourage you to apply if this role aligns with your skills, or if you’re open to discussing other opportunities within this discipline.

We also offer a benefits package, both standard and enhanced, which is designed to support your wellbeing, development, and financial future, including:

• Hybrid working set-up, with flexible working hours.
• Casual office attire and a relaxed and comfortable working environment.
• Minimum 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, plus a day off on your Birthday.
• Additional leave purchase scheme.
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme.
• Private medical Insurance.
• Contributory Pension Scheme, up to 5%.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Crouch Waterfall is committed to valuing our diversity and eliminating discrimination. All our employees have an equal chance of advancement based upon merit, access to opportunities, and the training necessary to that end irrespective of your sex, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, disability unrelated to the ability to carry out the job, or age.

We appreciate every application. However, due to the volume we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for this role or who may be a strong fit for future opportunities.