Principal Structural Engineer – Rail, Bridges & Civil Structures in Southampton

This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group. Due to continued business growth, we are seeking a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary team based in Basingstoke. Reporting to the Associate Director, you will lead the technical delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging from smaller schemes through to projects valued up to £20m. These include work across rail, bridges, and temporary works design, among other civil structures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the technical delivery of complex civil & structural projects, including bridges, structural steel, reinforced concrete, and temporary works.
• Provide leadership and direction to a team of Engineers and Technicians, supporting their development through mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance.
• Act as a technical reviewer, checking and approving designs, calculations, and analysis produced by others.
• Undertake structural assessments, site inspections, and surveys, producing clear and concise technical reports.
• Plan and manage project delivery, including programmes, resource allocation, and coordination with senior leadership.
• Support commercial aspects of projects, including forecasting, invoicing, and fee management.
• Engage with clients to define project scope, manage expectations, and ensure successful delivery of outputs.
• Contribute to the preparation of tenders and fee proposals.
• Support business growth by developing client relationships and identifying new opportunities.

Preferred Experience:

• A Chartered Engineer, with a strong track record in leading the technical delivery for the design of large-scale structures – ideally across bridges, structural steel, and reinforced concrete.
• Technical expertise across assessment, inspection, analysis of existing structures, and new-build design.
• Proficient in structural engineering software such as Tedds, Robot, and/or Midas.
• Prior exposure to rail projects is beneficial, but not essential – we encourage applications from engineers from other sectors.
• Experience in bridge design and/or temporary works is advantageous; candidates with broader structural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Ideally, exposure to Contractor Engineering Manager (CEM) responsibilities across design, although this is not essential.
• Confident in client-facing environments, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Independent right to work in the UK, alongside extensive UK project experience.

About Crouch Waterfall:

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.

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.

Remuneration & Benefits:

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.