At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex structural engineering design and mentor a dynamic team of engineers.
- Company: A growing consultancy focused on regulated infrastructure sectors in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that champions safety and innovation in engineering practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while shaping the future of design solutions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of structural design experience and Chartered Engineer status required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Principal 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 combines technical excellence with leadership, guiding design solutions, mentoring engineers, and shaping how engineering is delivered within a growing consultancy. You will act as a technical authority for structural design, supporting project delivery and the development of our engineering capability. The role combines hands-on principal-level design and checking work with discipline-wide technical standards, competency and governance responsibilities.
As Principal Structural Engineer, you will take ownership of the structural engineering design input across multidisciplinary projects, ensuring designs are safe, efficient and fully aligned with client and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities- Leading the development of practical, efficient and buildable structural design solutions
- Reviewing and approving design deliverables, design risk assessments (DRAs), reports and technical specifications
- Developing efficient and practical engineering solutions based on scopes, site visits and client requirements
- Communicating design solutions clearly to clients and project teams
- Directing and supporting engineers, CAD technicians and graduates
- Guiding design work to ensure compliance with technical standards, professional guidance and relevant specifications
- Ensuring design changes are properly implemented and recorded within project documentation
- Working within established design processes and procedures to maintain quality and consistency
- Attending and leading design reviews, client meetings and technical discussions
- Reviewing, or appointing competent checkers for structural designs produced in-house or by subcontracted designers, to ensure compliance with required technical standards
- Setting, communicating and maintaining structural engineering technical standards across all live projects
- Verifying the technical competency of structural engineering staff before they are allocated to projects
- Monitoring the discipline engineers' performance and utilisation
- Identifying training needs and supporting CPD planning for the structural engineering team
- Coordinating with other discipline leads on cross-discipline interface items, to ensure clear ownership where scope overlaps
- Estimating structural design hours at tender stage, and supporting resource forecasting and capacity planning across active projects
- Championing safety-in-design principles within structural engineering, ensuring CDM 2015 designer duties are embedded across all design and checking activity
- Providing key technical guidance for both projects and tenders
- Supporting the continuous improvement of engineering standards and design practices
We are looking for a highly capable structural engineer with strong experience in regulated industries and a track record of delivering robust engineering solutions.
Essential- 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 and gas, nuclear
- Strong understanding of engineering standards, design practices and construction methods
- Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Strong IT and digital design capability
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Previous experience in a Discipline Lead, Technical Authority or Principal Engineer role
- Experience using structural design and reinforced concrete software
- Experience within the water and/or rail sectors
- Experience supporting tenders and technical proposals
- Familiarity with client-specific technical standards across multiple frameworks
- Experience as an independent checker across multiple projects
- Familiarity with BIM / common data environment workflows
- Experience contributing to recruitment, onboarding or competency framework development
- Experience working in a design-centre or framework consultancy model
Structural Principal Engineer / Discipline Head in England employer: Kintec Global Recruitment
Kintec Global Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving fields of water, hydrogen, and nuclear engineering. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have ample opportunities for mentorship and professional growth, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement in the vibrant city of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Structural Principal Engineer / Discipline Head in England
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Structural Principal Engineer / Discipline Head role you’re after at Kintec Global Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Kintec Global Recruitment a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Kintec Global Recruitment.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Structural Principal Engineer / Discipline Head at Kintec Global Recruitment, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Structural Principal Engineer / Discipline Head in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Structural Principal Engineer / Discipline Head, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Kintec Global Recruitment a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Kintec Global Recruitment specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kintec Global Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Kintec Global Recruitment, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Kintec Global Recruitment want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
