At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex structural engineering projects and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Dynamic engineering consultancy with a focus on regulated infrastructure.
- Benefits: Generous leave, chartership support, flexible working, and team socials.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities and access to a gym.
- Why this job: Shape engineering standards and influence impactful projects in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in structural design, Chartered Engineer status, and experience in regulated sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Principal or Associate Structural Engineer to take a leading role in delivering complex engineering design across regulated infrastructure sectors. This is a senior position suited to a Chartered Engineer who enjoys combining technical excellence with leadership — someone who can guide design solutions, mentor engineers and play a key role in shaping how engineering is delivered within a growing consultancy. You will act as a technical authority for structural design, supporting both project delivery and the continued development of our engineering capability.
Role
You will lead structural engineering input across multidisciplinary projects, ensuring designs are safe, efficient and fully aligned with client and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
- Leading the development of practical, efficient and buildable structural design solutions
- Reviewing and approving design deliverables, reports, specifications and design risk assessments
- Acting as Responsible Engineer / CRE on selected projects
- Providing technical leadership and guidance to project teams and supporting tender submissions
- Ensuring designs comply with relevant standards, codes and industry requirements
- Directing and mentoring engineers, CAD technicians and graduates
- Supporting the delivery of coordinated, high-quality design outputs across disciplines
- Ensuring design changes are properly managed and recorded
- Contributing to resource planning and estimating design effort
- Attending and leading design reviews, client meetings and technical discussions
- Supporting the continuous improvement of engineering standards and design practices
About You
We are looking for a highly capable structural engineer with strong experience in regulated industries and a track record of delivering robust engineering solutions.
- 10+ years’ structural design experience at Senior or Principal level
- Degree or HND in Structural Engineering or a related discipline
- Chartered Engineer status
- Experience within one or more regulated sectors, such as: Water, Rail, Highways / Bridges, Oil & Gas, Nuclear
- Strong understanding of engineering standards, design practices and construction methods
- Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Experience within the water and/or rail sectors
- Experience acting as Responsible Engineer / CRE
- Experience supporting tenders and technical proposals
Why Join Us?
We are a growing engineering consultancy where experienced engineers have real influence over projects, standards and the development of the team. You will have the opportunity to:
- Take ownership of complex and challenging design work
- Play a key role in mentoring and developing engineers
- Influence technical standards and design approaches
- Work on projects across a range of regulated infrastructure sectors
Our Manchester office offers free parking, excellent transport links and access to a fully equipped gym with changing facilities, alongside a collaborative and supportive working environment. We also offer:
- 23 days annual leave + bank holidays, with additional leave after two years
- Option to purchase extra leave
- Chartership mentoring and support
- Regular CPD sessions and industry-led learning
- Monthly team brunches and quarterly socials
- Cycle to Work scheme and free fruit in the office
We are ideally office-based but offer flexible hybrid or remote working for the right candidate.
Principal Structural Engineer in Manchester employer: ESL
Join our dynamic engineering consultancy in Manchester, where your expertise as a Principal Structural Engineer will directly influence innovative design solutions across regulated sectors. We pride ourselves on a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth through mentorship, continuous learning opportunities, and a supportive environment, complemented by excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and team-building activities.
