Principal Engineer – Secondary Steel (Bristol)

At SLPE, we are seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in Secondary Steel Design to join our expanding team. In this role, you will ensure that technological innovation remains central to our work, providing expert technical guidance on the design and analysis of secondary steel structures for offshore substations and wind turbines. You will lead the secondary steel design team from concept to execution, delivering high-quality engineering solutions that meet client and industry standards. This position combines technical leadership, project management, and client interaction within a rapidly growing sector.

Who we are looking for: The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in detailed design of secondary steel for offshore wind projects, particularly in platforms, ladders, handrails, and cable support systems. You should possess excellent problem-solving skills, be able to apply your experience to solve technical challenges, and have strong leadership skills to guide and mentor a team. Having excellent technical expertise and a collaborative approach will help you work effectively with clients. You should be friendly, communicative, capable of client interaction, a team player, and able to mentor junior engineers. A deep familiarity with secondary steel design is essential, and a broad range of technical experience or awareness is highly desirable. Minimum of 6 to 8 years of experience in structural design and analysis of offshore foundations, focusing on secondary steel for substations and wind turbines, is required.

What we offer: Join our collaborative team of top engineers in a role that values innovation and excellence. As a small but growing company with a flat structure, SLPE is a leader in offshore wind design and software development. Everyone plays an essential part in our success. We foster a friendly and flexible culture, pushing the boundaries of offshore wind design. Our projects are world-class, utilizing cutting-edge design processes, making the journey both challenging and rewarding. If you're motivated, enthusiastic, and seeking a new challenge, this role could be perfect for you. The role offers a competitive salary from £70,000 to £90,000 per annum, depending on experience and level.

Job Description & Responsibilities:

• Provide expert guidance on the design and analysis of secondary steel structures for offshore substations and wind turbines, ensuring compliance with project specifications, codes, and best practices.
• Design bolted and welded connections for offshore structures.
• Lead the development of secondary steel designs from concept to detailed design, including calculations, drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Perform structural analyses under various load conditions.
• Coordinate with project managers, clients, and fabricators to integrate secondary steel elements within larger systems and timelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless design integration.
• Interpret offshore design codes and develop analysis models using in-house and Sesam software.
• Engage with clients and regulatory bodies to meet safety and environmental standards.
• Present technical reports and communicate complex concepts effectively.
• Innovate and improve secondary steel design approaches focusing on safety, efficiency, fabrication, transportation, and offshore installation.
• Contribute to tenders, proposals, and business development activities.
• Stay updated with industry trends, technologies, and regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster professional development.
• Lead technical problem-solving and team management to ensure high-quality outputs.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Chartered Engineer status preferred.
• Extensive experience in secondary steel design for offshore structures.
• Proficiency with design codes and structural analysis software (e.g., SESAM, ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Hands-on experience with offshore wind projects.
• Understanding of marine loads, offshore environment challenges, and fabrication/installation processes.
• Experience managing safety risks and leading engineering teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results on time and budget.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Proactive, self-driven, and quality-focused.
• Customer-oriented with innovative mindset.

Additional Information: This position is based in London or Bristol. SLPE operates a hybrid model, requiring at least 3 days/week in the office. Bristol-based candidates should be willing to travel to London, with expenses reimbursed. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment, including:

• 25 days annual leave plus options to purchase more.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Support for professional subscriptions and training.
• Flexible pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Option for international remote work for one month, twice a year.