Principal Structural Engineer in Milton Keynes

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly capable and collaborative structural engineer to take a leading technical role within our Building Engineering team. As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will be at the forefront of delivering multidisciplinary building projects across residential, public sector, and commercial developments. This role is ideal for someone who combines strong technical expertise with a passion for mentoring others, influencing project outcomes, and contributing to innovative, sustainable engineering solutions. You will play a key role in shaping the future of engineering delivery at Tetra Tech RPS.

Purpose and Scope of the Role

You will join the Building Engineering team in Milton Keynes, where you will lead both new‑build structural design and the structural investigation, assessment, and reporting of existing buildings. Your work will include the design and integration of timber, steel, and concrete structures across a varied portfolio of projects, alongside conducting surveys, analysing defects, evaluating load paths in existing structures, and preparing clear, technically robust structural reports.

You will collaborate closely with architecture, fire engineering, mechanical, electrical, and other specialist disciplines to ensure that structural solutions—whether for new construction or existing‑building refurbishment—are fully coordinated, compliant, and aligned with client aspirations. Your role will involve providing technical leadership, reviewing BIM and CAD output, participating in design meetings, and undertaking site visits across the UK. You will be expected to maintain a proactive, solutions‑driven approach, championing technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Expertise in Low to Medium Rise Residential Buildings

You will bring strong experience in the design and delivery of low to medium rise new‑build residential developments, including apartments, townhouses, and mixed‑use schemes. Your background will encompass reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and masonry structures, supported by a sound understanding of foundation solutions across a range of ground conditions.

In addition, you will have proven experience in structural inspections and investigative engineering. This includes condition assessments, intrusive and non‑intrusive surveys, defect diagnosis, load capacity evaluations, and the preparation of high‑quality structural reports. You will be comfortable analysing structural behaviour in both new‑build and existing contexts, ensuring all solutions are safe, efficient, buildable, and aligned with UK codes and standards.

Technical Leadership in Timber, Steel, and Concrete Design

A high level of technical competence across timber, steel, and concrete design is essential. You will be confident producing and reviewing detailed design calculations, carrying out complex structural analysis, and interrogating BIM and CAD models to ensure accuracy and constructability. Experience with Tekla Structural Designer is highly desirable.

Your technical leadership will extend to the assessment of existing structures, where you will interpret survey findings, analyse as‑built materials and details, evaluate structural adequacy, and advise clients on strengthening, refurbishment, or adaptation strategies. You will also have a strong understanding of timber engineering and modern construction methods, supported by an appreciation of embodied carbon, low‑carbon materials, and Whole Life Carbon Assessments.

Effective Participation in Meetings and Stakeholder Engagement

You will contribute meaningfully to internal technical forums, design reviews, and project coordination meetings, offering clear and well‑reasoned engineering insight. While you may not always lead external meetings, your presence will consistently add value through your technical credibility and practical judgement.

An important aspect of the role is communicating complex engineering principles in a clear, accessible manner. Whether presenting design concepts or explaining the findings of structural investigations, you will build trust and alignment with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary colleagues.

Mentorship and Collaborative Teamworking

Supporting the development of others is a core element of this role. You will mentor graduates, engineers, and technicians, helping them grow technically and progress toward chartership. You will contribute to a positive learning culture by sharing knowledge openly and encouraging constructive technical discussion.

Collaboration is fundamental to our multidisciplinary working model. You will work closely with colleagues across architecture, planning, building services, and environmental teams, constructively challenging proposals where appropriate and contributing to best‑practice development and lessons‑learned sessions.

Multidisciplinary Project Delivery

You will be comfortable supporting projects through their full lifecycle, from early‑stage feasibility and structural investigation work through to detailed new‑build design and construction. Your experience will extend beyond primary building structures to include coordination of external works, drainage, and other discipline interfaces.

This wide-ranging project environment offers an engaging and rewarding technical landscape. Your curiosity, adaptability, and drive for continual development will help you thrive and contribute to the continued evolution of the team.

Qualifications, Training, And Professional Experience

You will hold a master’s degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering accredited by the ICE and/or IStructE. Chartered status, or clear progress toward it, is desirable. You will bring substantial experience in both new‑build structural engineering and structural investigation and reporting, supported by a strong technical track record and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

About Tetra Tech RPS

Tetra Tech RPS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment across all areas of our organisation. We recognise that a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives contributes to a dynamic, innovative, and supportive workplace where all individuals are empowered to share their expertise and make meaningful contributions.

We are dedicated to promoting a culture of respect and equity, where people are valued regardless of their ethnicity, gender identity, age, belief system, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic. In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements, including adaptations to work schedules, training, or the physical workspace. Please let us know if you require any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day work.