At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative temporary and permanent works for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a leading UK construction and civil engineering contractor in Watford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75,000 plus an attractive package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on complex projects while developing your technical leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; chartered status preferred.
We are currently recruiting for a Principal Design Engineer with a strong background in temporary works design to join a leading UK construction and civil engineering contractor in Watford. This is a key technical leadership position, responsible for the design, coordination and delivery of complex temporary and permanent works packages across major infrastructure and civil engineering projects.
The Role
- Leading the design and engineering of temporary and permanent works packages.
- Developing, reviewing and approving engineering calculations, drawings, specifications and design deliverables.
- Providing technical leadership on temporary works including support systems, excavations, formwork, falsework, lifting operations and working platforms.
- Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams to ensure designs meet programme, operational and safety requirements.
- Providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers and designers.
- Undertaking site visits and inspections to validate designs and resolve technical issues during construction.
- Participating in temporary works coordination meetings, risk assessments, constructability reviews and design reviews.
- Ensuring designs comply with CDM regulations, British Standards, industry guidance and company procedures.
- Identifying opportunities to improve design efficiency, buildability, safety and project delivery.
- Keeping up to date with developments in temporary works engineering, construction methodologies and industry best practice.
About You
- A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
- A Master's degree is desirable.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or be actively working towards chartership.
- Significant experience in structural engineering and temporary works design within civil engineering or construction.
- Strong knowledge of temporary works procedures, governance and design requirements.
- Experience designing a range of temporary works solutions, including excavations, retaining systems, foundations, working platforms, formwork, falsework and lifting arrangements.
- Proficiency with engineering/design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla Tedds, STAAD Pro or equivalent.
- A strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing and site constraints on major infrastructure projects.
- Proven technical leadership experience and the ability to manage multiple projects or workstreams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A proactive approach to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior technical position with a major UK infrastructure contractor, providing engineering leadership across complex civil engineering projects. You will have the opportunity to influence design solutions from concept through to construction, working alongside experienced project and engineering teams while playing a key role in delivering safe, efficient and buildable temporary works solutions.
Principal Design Engineer employer: Kenton Black
Join a leading subcontractor in the UK, where you will be part of a dynamic team working on a landmark £200m highways infrastructure project. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering our engineers the chance to develop their skills while contributing to significant civil engineering achievements. With a strong pipeline of work and long-term contract potential, this role provides not just a job, but a meaningful career path in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Kenton Black, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Principal Design Engineer at Kenton Black.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kenton Black
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
