Principal Structural Design Engineer
Principal Structural Design Engineer

Principal Structural Design Engineer

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

  • Tasks: Lead innovative structural design projects that shape cities and communities.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a global leader in engineering and design.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, 24 days holiday, and health insurance.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact while collaborating with top industry minds.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering and strong design experience required.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.

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

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We’re shaping a more connected and sustainable world through innovative design and engineering. We’re excited to offer an incredible opportunity for a Principal Structural Design Engineer to become part of our growing and inclusive Building Structures team. Here, you’ll work on some of the most innovative and high‑profile projects across diverse sectors—think cutting‑edge airports, advanced technology facilities, data centres, transformative residential/industrial refurbishments, rail infrastructure, and energy developments. This is your chance to make a real impact, tackling complex challenges and delivering world‑class solutions that shape the future of our built environment.

With projects spanning both local and global markets, you’ll enjoy unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and career development—all while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry. As a Principal Structural Design Engineer, your expertise will be at the heart of this mission, helping us deliver projects that transform cities and communities. You’ll bring a depth of technical knowledge that ensures every structure we design is robust, safe, and sustainable.

Your ability to integrate modern digital tools and 3D design practices will keep us at the forefront of engineering innovation, while your leadership will inspire and mentor the next generation of engineers within our team. Your strong interpersonal skills will make you a trusted partner for clients, architects, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and confidence throughout every stage of a project. With your commercial awareness, you’ll help safeguard budgets and timelines, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and successfully.

Experience with international codes and exposure to projects in regions like the Middle East or the U.S. adds a global perspective that strengthens our capability to deliver world‑class solutions. Your commitment to sustainability and safety will ensure that every design not only meets technical standards but also reflects our responsibility to people and the planet.

By joining Jacobs, you’re not just taking on a role—you’re driving innovation, shaping iconic structures, and leaving a lasting impact on the built environment.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent)
  • Chartered Engineer with relevant professional membership
  • Strong experience in building structure design and specification to standards/regulations
  • Proficient in structural analysis/design software (e.g., Robot, ETABS, SAFE) - advantageous
  • Ability to conduct structural inspections and report defects
  • Knowledge of multi‑disciplinary design processes

Benefits:

  • A global network of expertise and opportunity.
  • A culture founded on safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging.
  • Flexible working arrangements that support your well‑being and potential.
  • Opportunities to make a real‑world impact through our global giving and volunteering programs.
  • Up to 10% pension.
  • 24 days (+10 days bought) holidays.
  • Free medical and income protection insurance and many more!

Employment & Inclusion:

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

About Jacobs:

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Principal Structural Design Engineer employer: Jacobs

At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Principal Structural Design Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to work on high-profile projects that make a real-world impact while enjoying flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to professional growth. Join us in shaping a sustainable future and be part of a team that values diversity, integrity, and the well-being of our employees.
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Contact Detail:

Jacobs Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Structural Design Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects and designs. This is your chance to visually demonstrate your expertise and creativity, making you stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of creating sustainable and innovative structures. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Jacobs and contributing to our exciting projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Structural Design Engineer

Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
Building Structure Design
Specification to Standards/Regulations
Structural Analysis/Design Software (e.g., Robot, ETABS, SAFE)
Structural Inspections
Multi-Disciplinary Design Processes
Leadership
Interpersonal Skills
Commercial Awareness
Sustainability
Safety Standards
Project Management
Global Perspective

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Structural Design Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in structural design, software proficiency, and any relevant projects you've worked on.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about shaping sustainable environments. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in previous roles and how you can contribute to our innovative projects.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with structural analysis/design software like Robot or ETABS. We want to see how you integrate modern tools into your work to keep us at the forefront of engineering innovation.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches the right team and stands out in our review process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to structural design. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the software you’ve used like Robot or ETABS, and how you’ve tackled complex challenges in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Structural Design Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Think of examples where you've inspired your team or collaborated with clients and stakeholders. Highlighting these experiences will show that you're not just technically proficient but also a great leader.

✨Understand Jacobs' Values

Familiarise yourself with Jacobs' commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of transforming cities and communities.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if Jacobs is the right fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your understanding of the industry.

Principal Structural Design Engineer
Jacobs

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