At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative engineering solutions for high-profile construction projects.
- Company: Global consulting engineering firm with a focus on sustainability and collaboration.
- Benefits: Birthday leave, corporate health insurance, paid parental leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with full training provided for motivated candidates.
- Why this job: Tackle complex challenges and shape a better world through engineering excellence.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Civil Engineering; 2-5 years of relevant experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Robert Bird Group is a global consulting engineering firm delivering innovative, sustainable and buildable solutions across structural, civil, geotechnical, construction engineering and virtual design & construction (VDC). Established in Brisbane in 1982, we now have more than 850 staff across twelve offices in Australia, the UK, Asia, the Middle East and North America. As part of SJ Group, a diverse collective of problem solvers for the built environment, we are connected to a global network reimagining a smarter, more sustainable future.
We work collaboratively with clients, architects and contractors to realise shared ambitions and achieve certainty in cost, programme and quality. From buildings and transport to energy, healthcare, sports and entertainment, we provide innovative end-to-end engineering solutions. We think, plan and design with the construction process in mind, applying construction engineering expertise to anticipate challenges, improve efficiency and enhance buildability.
Our portfolio spans some of the world’s most ambitious projects, from Battersea Power Station and 21 Moorfields in London, to the Camp Nou regeneration in Barcelona, Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place, and Snowy Hydro 2.0 in Australia. Driven by a culture of integrity, agility and collaboration, we continue to push the boundaries of engineering design and delivery in pursuit of our goal: to shape a better world through the relentless pursuit of engineering excellence.
About the role
We are seeking a motivated Design Engineer to join our growing Construction Engineering team in Birmingham. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys tackling complex technical challenges and working at the intersection of structural engineering, construction methodology, temporary works, and digital design.
You will play an important role across the full construction lifecycle—from early‑stage methodologies and buildability assessments to detailed design of both temporary and permanent works. Working closely with contractors, developers, and multidisciplinary design teams, you will help deliver efficient, safe, and highly buildable engineering solutions.
This position offers exposure to a wide range of high‑profile UK and international projects, including commercial and mixed‑use developments, data centres, major stadia, tall buildings, large‑scale infrastructure, and globally recognised structures. You will also have the opportunity to develop your expertise in computational design, 4D digital sequencing, and temporary stage analysis, supported by a strong technical and mentoring culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver temporary works design, including falsework, formwork, propping, façade retention, shoring and lifting arrangements.
- Undertake temporary stage analysis, including sequential construction loading, movement and stability assessments, and time‑dependent behaviour.
- Apply computational design and parametric tools to optimise engineering solutions, complex geometries, sequencing, and digital rehearsals.
- Carry out detailed design of structural systems for temporary and permanent structures.
- Develop construction staging and sequencing strategies aligned with safe buildability and construction logistics.
- Conduct design checking and quality assurance reviews.
- Carry out site inspections and liaise closely with construction teams.
- Lead effective client and consultant coordination throughout project stages.
- Support Senior Engineers and Associates with resource planning, technical delivery, and project coordination.
- Assist with monitoring project budgets and cost control.
- Support and mentor graduate engineers and junior technicians.
- Adhere to internal quality assurance procedures.
- Continue developing your expertise in construction engineering, temporary works and digital delivery.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
- Actively working toward chartership with IStructE, ICE, or an equivalent international organisation, supported by structured training and mentorship.
- 2–5 years of relevant structural design engineering experience.
- Experience in construction engineering and/or temporary works is advantageous but not essential.
- Strong interest in buildability, construction methodology, digital engineering, and structural behaviour during staged construction.
- Awareness of the use of industry standard analysis software (ETABS, Tekla, IdeaStatica).
- A desire to develop and apply computational design workflows is desirable. Familiarity with Rhino, Grasshopper, and/or modern programming languages such as Python or C# is a bonus.
- Candidates without temporary works experience but with strong motivation to enter this specialist field are encouraged to apply — full training and development will be provided.
What we offer you:
RBG is a growing, fast-paced business which offers birthday leave, corporate health insurance rates, paid parental leave, recognition awards, an active and engaging social club, along with a supportive team environment where healthy lifestyle balance is encouraged.
If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every criterion, we’d love to hear from you.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support—such as receiving the application form in an alternative format—please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team.
Your experience throughout the application process is important to us. We welcome feedback on how we can improve and are happy to provide any further information you may need to help you make an informed decision about joining us.
If there’s anything more we can do to support you, please let us know, we’re here to help.
Agency
Please note that any unsolicited resumes or CVs submitted through our website or directly to SJ Group employees’ personal email accounts will be considered the property of SJ Group. As such, we will not be liable for any agency fees associated with these submissions.
To be recognized as an authorized recruitment agency or search firm for SJ Group, a formal written agreement must be in place. Additionally, agencies must be invited by our Recruitment Team to submit candidates for specific roles.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!
Design Engineer CE in Birmingham employer: SJ
Robert Bird Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of integrity, agility, and collaboration, making it an ideal place for Design Engineers to thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through structured training and mentorship, as well as a supportive team environment that encourages work-life balance, employees can engage in high-profile projects while enjoying unique benefits like birthday leave and corporate health insurance rates. Located in Birmingham, this role offers the opportunity to work on innovative engineering solutions that shape a better world, all within a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer CE in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, especially projects that highlight your experience in construction engineering and digital design. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals, especially in areas like buildability and construction methodology. Tailor your responses to show you're a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Robert Bird Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer CE in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience in structural engineering, construction methodology, and any digital design tools you've used. We want to see how your skills align with our projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for tackling complex challenges and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to our work at Robert Bird Group.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We love seeing technical skills in action! If you’ve worked with software like ETABS or Tekla, or have experience in computational design, make sure to highlight these in your application. It’s all about showing us what you can bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy—just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at SJ
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your fundamental engineering principles, especially those related to structural and construction engineering. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to temporary works and buildability, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you tackled complex engineering challenges. Highlight your thought process and the innovative solutions you implemented, as this aligns with the company's focus on delivering efficient and sustainable engineering solutions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Since the role involves computational design and digital engineering, make sure you’re comfortable discussing tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, or any programming languages you know. If you’ve used industry-standard analysis software, be ready to share your experiences with it.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, culture, and future directions. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Think about how you can contribute to their ambitious projects!
