Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative civil/structural engineering projects with a focus on automation and design efficiency.
- Company: GHD is a global leader in engineering, dedicated to solving major challenges in water, energy, and urbanisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, a collaborative culture, and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while driving innovation and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in civil/structural engineering automation, coding skills, and chartered engineer status required.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to sustainability and making a positive impact globally.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Join GHD as a Principal Civil/Structural Engineer – Automation (P006) in London, Manchester, Newcastle, or Leeds (within GHD EMEA Region).
About the Role
Are you passionate about engineering innovation and automation? GHD is seeking a Principal Civil/Structural Engineer to lead the charge in transforming how we deliver engineering solutions. This is more than a traditional engineering role — it’s an opportunity to shape the future of design through cutting-edge automation and continuous improvement. You’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget, while also driving innovation across our engineering processes. Collaborating with global experts and local teams, you’ll help us deliver smarter, more efficient outcomes for our clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead civil and structural design, calculations, and technical drawings across a variety of materials and structural forms.
- Manage medium-sized projects and contribute to larger, multidisciplinary efforts.
- Drive automation initiatives to enhance engineering delivery and design efficiency.
- Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
- Ensure compliance with client, industry, and GHD standards.
- Collaborate with project managers, design managers, and technical leads to achieve best-for-project outcomes.
- Engage with the EDO Leadership Team and global SMEs to embed innovation across the business.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience in civil/structural engineering automation, including coding in .NET, Python, and Git.
- Familiarity with agile methodologies and DevOps for software development.
- Strong background in structural and civil design across water and industrial sectors.
- Experience with geotechnical engineering, retaining walls, and foundation design.
- Proficiency in Eurocodes, structural design software (e.g., Tekla/TEDDS, Robot), and 3D Revit/BIM processes.
- Demonstrated leadership on engineering projects (£100–250k).
- Chartered Engineer status (IStructE or ICE) and a relevant engineering degree.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Project delivery to time, budget, and quality standards.
- Innovation ROI through automation adoption.
- Team development and internal workshare performance.
- Contribution to a strong safety, culture, and community ethos.
Why GHD?
At GHD, we’re committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in water, energy, and urbanisation. You’ll join a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values innovation, sustainability, and continuous learning. Ready to engineer a better future? Apply now and be part of a global team that’s reshaping the way we design and deliver infrastructure.
Principal Engineer - Civil / Structural Engineering and Automation employer: GHD
Contact Detail:
GHD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Civil / Structural Engineering and Automation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with GHD's recent projects and innovations in civil and structural engineering. Understanding their approach to automation and design will help you align your experience with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former GHD employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven automation initiatives in past projects. Highlighting your hands-on experience with coding in .NET, Python, and Git will demonstrate your technical proficiency and leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of agile methodologies and DevOps practices. Being able to articulate how these frameworks can enhance project delivery will set you apart as a candidate who is not only technically skilled but also forward-thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Civil / Structural Engineering and Automation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in civil and structural engineering, particularly in automation. Include specific projects where you've led design initiatives or driven innovation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for engineering innovation and automation. Mention how your skills in coding (e.g., .NET, Python) and familiarity with agile methodologies align with GHD's goals.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise any leadership roles you've held in previous projects. Discuss how you mentored junior engineers and contributed to team development, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your Chartered Engineer status and relevant engineering degree. Also, include your proficiency in Eurocodes and structural design software, as these are crucial for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at GHD
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with civil and structural engineering automation, particularly your coding skills in .NET and Python. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented automation to improve efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers and leading projects, share examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and driving project success.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Agile Methodologies
Understanding agile methodologies and DevOps is crucial for this position. Be ready to explain how you've applied these practices in previous roles and how they can enhance engineering delivery and design efficiency.
✨Prepare Questions About Innovation
GHD values innovation, so come prepared with questions about their current automation initiatives and how you can contribute to embedding innovation across the business. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and aligns with their goals.