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- Tasks: Lead structural engineering projects and manage teams while ensuring quality and financial success.
- Company: Join RPS, a progressive design firm with expertise across various sectors and a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, accredited training, and clear career pathways in a diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of an industry-leading team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; chartered status preferred; experience in residential market essential.
- Other info: Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds, and we aim to respond within three working days.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
RPS are currently seeking an experienced Principal Structural Design Engineer to join our progressive business within the Structures team. The role involves servicing clients located in London, Milton Keynes, and across the Midlands. Join our industry-leading team, which offers extensive in-house expertise across sectors such as low to medium rise residential development and structural investigations.
About The Design Business: RPS Design Division delivers projects across various sectors including residential housing, logistics, retail, aviation, healthcare, education, manufacturing, data centres, and energy. We focus on balancing form and function, considering sustainability, materiality, cost, and constructability. Digitalisation is central to our delivery, enabling clients to experience designs from concept through detailed drawings, supported by decades of expertise across industries and disciplines.
What you’ll be doing: This role offers career progression for a Structural Engineer in a challenging, rewarding environment. You will primarily be involved in delivering residential foundation and superstructure projects, including low and medium rise housing and commercial developments.
- Assist the Associate Director / Director in managing the structural engineering team
- Manage projects and project teams independently
- Take financial responsibility for your projects
- Prepare fee quotations and handle invoicing
- Manage staff and external consultants
- Develop the engineering and technical team
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders and clients
- Conduct site visits, structural surveys, investigations, and repairs for issues such as fires or foundation problems
Who we’re looking for: Applicants should have a degree (or equivalent) in Civil or Structural Engineering, ideally be chartered with ICE, IStructE, or equivalent, or be progressing towards chartership. Additional requirements include:
- Experience in designing foundations, masonry, concrete (including detailing), steel, and timber structures to Eurocodes
- Experience in the residential market, including traditional and framed structures
- Market awareness, financial management skills, and client development experience
- Experience in structural investigations of low-rise and medium-rise residential and commercial properties
- Preferably familiar with the Building Safety Act reporting requirements
- Proficiency with Tekla software (Tekla Designer, Tedds) and ideally AutoCAD/Revit
- Strong leadership and management skills, decision-making ability, motivation, and initiative
What’s in it for you? We support learning and development with accredited training, personal development plans, and clear career pathways. Our workplace encourages diversity, flexible working, and prioritizes wellbeing. Join us for a career that’s far from ordinary, where you’re valued as part of the solution.
What happens next? If this role aligns with your career goals, we look forward to hearing from you. All applications will be considered, and we aim to respond within three working days.
Contact Detail:
RPS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Structural Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the structural engineering field, especially those who work in residential development. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific software mentioned in the job description, such as Tekla and AutoCAD/Revit. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills, as this will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research RPS and their recent projects to understand their approach to structural design and client management. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial management and client development, as these are key aspects of the role. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed budgets or built client relationships to highlight your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Structural Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in structural engineering, particularly in designing foundations and superstructures. Emphasise any projects you've managed independently and your familiarity with Eurocodes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for structural engineering and your alignment with RPS's values. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage teams effectively.
Highlight Technical Proficiency: Clearly outline your proficiency with Tekla software, AutoCAD, and Revit in your application. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in past projects to enhance your designs.
Showcase Your Market Awareness: In your application, discuss your understanding of the residential market and any experience you have with financial management and client development. This will show that you are not only technically skilled but also commercially aware.
How to prepare for a job interview at RPS Group
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Structural Design Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your knowledge of structural engineering principles. Be prepared to discuss your experience with designing foundations, masonry, concrete, and steel structures, especially in relation to Eurocodes.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and management abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully managed projects and teams in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to motivating and developing team members.
✨Discuss Financial Acumen
Since you'll be taking financial responsibility for projects, it's important to convey your understanding of project budgeting and invoicing. Prepare to talk about your experience with fee quotations and managing project finances effectively.
✨Demonstrate Client Engagement Experience
Client development is key in this role. Be ready to share instances where you've successfully collaborated with clients or senior stakeholders, and how you’ve built relationships that led to successful project outcomes.