At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead site engineering for a major highways upgrade and manage subcontractor activities.
- Company: Join a tier-one contractor with a strong reputation in infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Long-term freelance role with competitive pay and valuable experience.
- Other info: Diverse workplace promoting equality and supporting all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in UK highways and relevant technical qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 29880 - 36520 £ per year.
Location: M42 / Greater Birmingham Area (On-site)
Duration: 9+ Months Freelance
Randstad is recruiting a Project Engineer / Senior Engineer on behalf of a tier-one main contractor to support a major highways infrastructure upgrade along the M42 corridor outside Birmingham. This is a long-term freelance assignment focusing on site engineering control, subcontractor management, and technical package delivery across live highways infrastructure.
The Role
Reporting to the Sub Agent / Site Agent, you will bridge the gap between site engineering and operational delivery, taking ownership of technical QA, temporary works, and subcontractor coordination. Your day-to-day will involve:
- Engineering Oversight: Managing site engineering teams and survey accuracy across major carriageway, drainage, surfacing, and structural highways packages.
- Technical QA & Inspections: Overseeing ITP sign-offs, as-built surveys, material approvals, and managing TQs/RFIs to resolve design queries efficiently.
- Subcontractor & Resource Management: Coordinating daily site activities for specialist supply chain partners, ensuring works align with short-term lookahead schedules.
- Temporary Works & HSEQ: Managing temporary works implementation on site, ensuring strict adherence to RAMS and National Highways safety standards.
- Commercial Support: Working alongside the commercial team to maintain precise site records, track variations, and record scope changes.
Essential Requirements
- Highways Track Record (Essential): Extensive, proven experience as a Senior Engineer or Project Engineer on UK highways schemes (National Highways framework experience highly desirable).
- Technical Qualifications: Degree, HND, or HNC in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
- Site Credentials: Valid CSCS card and SMSTS (Temporary Works Coordinator qualification is a plus).
- Location & Mobility: Based in or commutable to the M42 / Greater Birmingham region with a full UK driving licence.
Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Senior Engineer in Birmingham employer: Randstad UK
As an Operations Administrator with us, you'll enjoy a flexible home-working environment while being part of a dynamic team that plays a vital role in our business success. We prioritise employee growth and development, offering opportunities for recent graduates to kickstart their careers in a supportive culture that values collaboration and communication. With regular travel to various regional offices, you will experience diverse working environments and build connections across the company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer in Birmingham
✨Join Engineering Forums
We're talking about places like GitHub or Stack Overflow where engineers hang out. Contribute to discussions, showcase your skills, and you might just catch the eye of someone looking for freelance talent. Plus, getting involved in these communities can lead to potential gigs and collaborations!
✨Create a Public Portfolio
As a freelancer, a strong portfolio is your best mate. Make sure it highlights your engineering projects, especially those that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Host it on a platform like GitHub Pages or your own website—this way, potential clients from Randstad UK can see your expertise right away.
✨Attend Industry Meetups
Look for local engineering meetups or workshops where you can connect with other professionals and potential clients. It’s all about getting your name out there! These casual settings can lead to freelance opportunities that aren’t always advertised online.
✨Utilise Freelance Platforms Wisely
Don’t just jump on any site—focus on platforms known for engineering gigs, like Upwork or Toptal. Tailor your profile to highlight your freelance skills and ensure you're showcasing your best work, so when opportunities at Randstad UK arise, you’re ready to pounce!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:As an engineer, having a solid portfolio is key. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects you've worked on, highlighting the problem-solving skills and technical expertise you brought to the table. Keep it relevant to the role you’re targeting at Randstad UK.
List Your Tools and Techniques:Freelance engineering often involves a variety of tools and techniques, so don’t shy away from showcasing them. In your CV, explicitly mention the software and hardware you're familiar with and any relevant certifications. This gives us a clear idea of your technical proficiency when considering your application for Senior Engineer.
Be Clear on Your Availability:When applying for a freelance gig, it's essential to make your availability clear in your application. Let us know how many hours you can commit each week and if you have any preferred working times, as this helps us see if you fit with our project timelines at Randstad UK.
Tailor Your Application to Each Project:Freelancing means you'll be applying to multiple opportunities, so it's important to tailor each application. Refer back to the specific requirements outlined in the job listing for Senior Engineer at Randstad UK and make sure to align your experience with what they’re looking for. Personalised applications stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad UK
✨Showcase Your Technical Proficiency
As a freelance engineer, you’ll often be asked to demonstrate your technical skills upfront. Be ready to showcase specific projects or problems you've solved in the past. Prepare a portfolio of your work that highlights your achievements and the tools you've used, such as CAD software or simulations.
✨Be Prepared for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect the interviewers to throw some technical challenges your way. They may ask how you'd approach a particular engineering scenario. Brush up on common engineering principles and methodologies. Think through how you’d communicate your thought process clearly and concisely.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Communication Skills
Freelance roles often require us to work with different teams and clients. Emphasise how you handle varying demands and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Share examples of projects where you had to adapt quickly to client feedback or changes in project scope.
✨Discuss Your Rate and Availability Honestly
Freelancing involves not just skills but also the business side of things. Be upfront about your rates and availability. Be prepared to explain how you value your services based on previous experience and the quality you bring, as this can sometimes be a deal-breaker for potential clients like Randstad UK.
