Principal or Associate Structural Engineer in Cardiff
Principal or Associate Structural Engineer

Principal or Associate Structural Engineer in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and mentor a team in delivering innovative structural engineering projects.
  • Company: Join Crouch Waterfall, a dynamic consultancy with a legacy of excellence in engineering.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Shape high-impact infrastructure projects while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and experience in structural design required.
  • Other info: Be part of a growing team with exciting career progression opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group. Crouch Waterfall is a specialist Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineering consultancy with over four decades of continuous growth and a reputation for delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure projects across the UK. As a part of the Vulcain Engineering Group, we combine the agility of a specialist practice with the stability, reach, and innovation of a global engineering organisation. With a legacy of excellence in Bridges, Rail, Infrastructure, Buildings, and Geotechnical Services, our teams lead projects from first concept to final delivery, bringing robust engineering expertise, creativity, and technical rigour to every challenge.

As our Cardiff office continues its expansion, we are seeking an experienced and ambitious Chartered Structural Engineer (MICE or MIStructE) to join us. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape project delivery, mentor emerging talent, and play a key part in the continued growth of a thriving regional team. Reporting directly to the Senior Management Team, you will take technical leadership of a diverse portfolio ranging from small bespoke structures to major projects. Your work will span commercial and public-sector buildings, rail structures, temporary works, special structures, and complex assessments.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Principal or Associate Structural Engineer will include:

  • Technical Leadership: Drive the technical delivery of structural projects - encompassing bridges, building structures, structural steelwork, reinforced concrete, and more.
  • Team Leadership & Mentoring: Provide guidance, coaching, and oversight for Engineers and Technicians, supporting their development and raising the bar on technical excellence.
  • Design Oversight: Review and verify designs produced by others, including detailed hand calculations and advanced computer-based analysis.
  • Site & Structural Assessments: Oversee surveys, inspections, and condition assessments, producing clear, high-quality technical reports.
  • Project & Resource Management: Lead programming, resource planning, and workload management in collaboration with senior leadership.
  • Client Engagement: Work closely with clients to confirm scope, manage expectations, and uphold a high standard of delivery.
  • Business Development: Contribute to fee proposals, bids, and tenders, and help cultivate new and existing client relationships.

You will lead, inspire, and develop a growing team of Engineers and Technicians, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality technical outputs and acting as a trusted partner to both clients and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Experience:

  • Strong track record in the design of bridges, structural steelwork, and reinforced concrete structures.
  • Evidence of leading technical scopes, whether through project leadership or mentoring others.
  • Confident in client-facing environments; excellent communication skills.
  • Fluent in English with permanent right to work in the UK and UK project experience.
  • Chartered Engineer (MICE or MIStructE).
  • Broad technical expertise across assessment, inspection, analysis, and new-build design.
  • Proficient in structural engineering software such as Tedds, Robot, and/or Midas; experience with 3D modelling environments is beneficial.
  • Experience in bridge design and/or temporary works advantageous; wider structural backgrounds welcomed.
  • Prior exposure to rail and/or highways preferred, though engineers from buildings or other infrastructure sectors are encouraged to apply.

The Cardiff team has grown to fifteen specialists, reflecting strong demand and exceptional project delivery. Our engineers have contributed to landmark and technically ambitious schemes including:

  • The Principality Stadium Roof Walk experience
  • Tidal Defence Gate design for Truro
  • A 50m steel access tower for the Sudbrook tunnel shaft (River Severn)
  • Footbridge designs including Devils Footbridge and Seven Sisters Footbridge
  • The refurbishment of listed structures such as Llanbradach Station Footbridge
  • Temporary and scaffold works design for Hinkley Point C
  • Structural assessments and complex designs in brickwork, concrete, timber, and GRP

This role offers the chance to work on high-visibility projects while helping to steer the strategic direction of a rapidly expanding office.

What We Offer:

  • Hybrid working and flexible hours
  • Minimum 25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + your Birthday off
  • Additional leave purchase scheme
  • Annual discretionary bonus
  • Private medical insurance
  • 5% matched pension contribution
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Electric vehicle scheme

Our Commitment to Inclusion: Crouch Waterfall is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee has equal access to opportunity, recognition, and progression - regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

Principal or Associate Structural Engineer in Cardiff employer: Crouch Waterfall & Partners Ltd

Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group, is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture in its Cardiff office. With a commitment to mentoring and leadership opportunities, employees can expect to engage in high-impact projects while enjoying benefits such as hybrid working, generous leave policies, and a focus on inclusion and diversity.
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Contact Detail:

Crouch Waterfall & Partners Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal or Associate Structural Engineer in Cardiff

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal or Associate Structural Engineer role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in bridge design and structural assessments. Make sure they know you're the go-to person for technical leadership.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and managed resources in past roles. This will show you're not just a great engineer, but also a strong leader.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our growing Cardiff team.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal or Associate Structural Engineer in Cardiff

Chartered Engineer (MICE or MIStructE)
Technical Leadership
Team Leadership
Mentoring
Design Oversight
Site Assessments
Structural Assessments
Project Management
Client Engagement
Business Development
Structural Engineering Software (Tedds, Robot, Midas)
3D Modelling
Bridge Design
Reinforced Concrete Design
Structural Steelwork Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal or Associate Structural Engineer role. Highlight your technical leadership and project management experience, as well as any relevant software proficiency.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share your passion for structural engineering and how your background aligns with our projects, especially in bridges and complex assessments.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results where possible to demonstrate your impact on previous projects, especially those that align with our work at Crouch Waterfall.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Cardiff office!

How to prepare for a job interview at Crouch Waterfall & Partners Ltd

✨Know Your Technical Stuff

As a Principal or Associate Structural Engineer, you’ll need to showcase your technical expertise. Brush up on your knowledge of bridges, structural steelwork, and reinforced concrete. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the challenges you faced, as well as how you overcame them.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role involves mentoring and leading a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've guided junior engineers or managed project teams. Highlight any experience you have in client engagement and how you’ve maintained strong relationships.

✨Prepare for Design Discussions

Expect to dive deep into design oversight during your interview. Familiarise yourself with the software mentioned in the job description, like Tedds and Robot. Be ready to discuss your approach to reviewing designs and conducting assessments, and maybe even bring along a portfolio of your work to illustrate your points.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Crouch Waterfall values collaboration and innovation. Research their recent projects and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. Show enthusiasm for contributing to their growth and how you can help shape the strategic direction of the Cardiff office.

Principal or Associate Structural Engineer in Cardiff
Crouch Waterfall & Partners Ltd
Location: Cardiff

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